Fus Fixico Classification System

HEATHER D. HUTTO, MSLS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, BRISTOW PUBLIC LIBRARY

Fus Fixico Classification System

• Motivations for the system’s creation (and the creation of the Choska Talfa Room)

• Prior Attempts: TJH Pryor Public Library, Information Organization Project (University of North Texas)
• Classification System (BETA), Space for Evolving Controlled Vocabularies & Improved Metadata
• Cataloging in system
• Summer 2024- Cataloging Workflows, system refinement.

• Questions; Call for input!

Contents

MOTIVATION FOR SYSTEM’S CREATION

Fus Fixico Classification System

Decades of these education and knowledge gaps have contributed to a proliferation of misinformation, especially pertaining to sovereign tribal nations (e.g. This article by MFM citing the Edmond Territorial Schoolhouse as “the oldest in Oklahoma”

Combat Misinformation

Many adults have education and knowledge gaps. As a public library, we have an opportunity to reach beyond K12 and address these knowledge gaps.

Cultural Gaps

Many students in Oklahoma have education gaps, especially pertaining to Oklahoma and Tribal History.

Student Gaps

Motivation for System’s creation

Commonly used Systems (Dewey) do NOT allow for equitable representation of Indigenous First Nations. Oklahoma has 39 sovereign tribal nations; therefore equitably representing all of these nations, as well as Indigenous modes of thought, has been a paramount objective (see also: Brian Deer Classification System).

Indigenous History

More specifically, the state’s history as a territory set aside specifically to serve as a reservation for Indigenous sovereign nations lends much to the special and unique aspects of Oklahoma history that nearly all other states lack. We needed a system that could better represent that fact.

Territorial History

Oklahoma history is far too nuanced to relegate to a mere call number (976.6); we sought a system that could better represent the state’s unique histories.

OK History

Motivation for System’s creation

PRIOR ITERATIONS (INFORMATION ORGANIZATION PROJECT)

Fus Fixico Classification System

Any organizational schema we devise must be flexible and allow for change in tandem with improved Library of Congress Subject Headings and adoption of improved metadata.

Livable, Dynamic

The structure of the system must be Indigenous-informed; ideally they will be strongly influenced by Indigenous ways of thinking instead of solely or mostly being Western-influenced. Notwithstanding, must be user friendly, for all.

Authority Control

Resources must pertain to 1) tribal, territorial, or Oklahoma History, and/or 2) Genealogy.

Criteria

Information Organization Project

CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CREATION AND USE (BETA)

Fus Fixico Classification System

Working with visiting student groups helps us better ascertain how modifications to the system may ensure more successful collocation.

Use

Since the organizational structures must be Indigenous-informed, we took much influence from the Brian Deer Classification System (BDCS).

CONTROLLED VOCABULARY

The Information Organization Project, a requirement of the MSLS Program at the university of North Texas, provided the opportunity to build a prototype.

IOP

System Creation and Use (BETA)

PROVIDES SPACE FOR EVOLVING METADATA

Fus Fixico Classification System

We hope other OK libraries will adopt the FFCS to use in their local history collections. FFCS can also help inform and influence other states with indigenous populations achieve more equitable representation.

FFCS & Future Use

Indigenous opinions from everything from controlled vocabularies to how their nations are represented are our top priority.

Native-Focused

As it evolves, we seek more LIS professionals (especially those with domain knowledge pertaining to OK History and Indigenous perspectives, cultures, and histories) to weigh in with their thoughts!

Dynamic

Dynamic and Indigenous-focused Authority Control

IMPLEMENTING FFCS

Fus Fixico Classification System

Existing special collections helped expedite this process - like the Oklahoma authors collection. The main nonfiction section had to be searched for books that fit into FFCS. Duplicate items may have a spot in CF and the main collection.

Analyzing Collections

Classifications systems start with very broad topics that are subdivided into many subtopics that get more specific. Our main topics included reference, genealogy, Indigenous history, and Oklahoma history.

Classification Systems

Large projects like this in a library take time. Creating a new classification system is no small feat. Small libraries have limited staff to work on projects, increasing the time it takes.

Time

Implementing FFCS

After the initial implementation, we focused on spreading awareness of our collection and resources, teaching users how to use and search FFCS, and cataloging new CF materials as well.

After Implemenation

During the recataloging, we also updated suject headings from "Indian" to "Indigenous". The Library of Congress is slow at updating terms, so many libraries, like ours, are heading up this issue ourselves.

Subject Headings

The standard Dewey Decimal number had to be changed to FFCS. This led to us finding where FFCS fell short and updating it as necessary. We also faced issues of finding the right topic for some books, which is a common problem in any classification system.

Recataloging

Implementing FFCS

We continued to spread awareness of FFCS and the Choska Talfa room, reaching out to groups inside and outside the state for assistance and input.

Reaching Out

While cataloging, we would find items that needed new sections added to cover them. When these sections were added or changed, other items often had to be recatalogued to match.

Two Steps Forward...

While the "Beta" implementation of FFCS was fairly broad in its coverage, the system was adjusted to focus specifically on Oklahoma tribes and heritage for the sake of organization.

Focusing Scope

Continuing FFCS

Questions? Comments? Contact: Heather.d.hutto@gmail.com

Fus Fixico Classification System: Call for Input!

Contact: Heather.d.hutto@gmail.com

Fus Fixico Classification System Thank you for your time!