Libraries classify video collections by subject, format, and audience, using the same underlying classification schemes (Dewey or LC) they use for books, plus cataloging rules for audiovisual and streaming media. YouTube videos can be cataloged and classified, but this is usually selective, not comprehensive.[guides.uflib.ufl+2](https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/c.php?g=147853&p=6778333)​ --- ## How physical videos are classified - **Same subject schemes as books** - In Dewey libraries, nonfiction DVDs are often given a Dewey number matching the topic (e.g., a history documentary at 940‑something; a science film at 530‑something).[library.umass+1](https://www.library.umass.edu/wikis/acp/doku.php?id=dvd_cataloging_streamlined_guidelines)​ - In LC libraries, DVDs get an LC call number (e.g., PN1995.9.D6 for a documentary film, or a subject‑specific class if the film is heavily topical).[loc+1](https://www.loc.gov/catworkshop/courses/fundamentalslcc/pdf/classify-instr-manual.pdf)​ - **Separated by format and shelving policy** - Many libraries shelve DVDs in a separate “Video” area, sometimes arranged by call number, sometimes by title or accession number.[ccad.libguides+2](https://ccad.libguides.com/film/dewey)​ - Even when shelving is “title order,” the catalog record still carries a formal classification number for subject access.[library.yale+1](https://web.library.yale.edu/book/export/html/2134)​ --- ## How streaming / online video is handled - **Catalog records for streaming video** - Libraries increasingly create MARC records for streaming media, using RDA (Resource Description and Access) and OLAC best‑practice guidelines.[cornerstone.lib.mnsu+2](https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1027&context=olac-publications)​ - These records still include a subject classification number (LC or Dewey) plus subject headings and genre/form terms; the main difference is that the “carrier” is online/streaming rather than a physical disc.[stanford+2](https://web.stanford.edu/~gdegroat/RDAvideo-cataloging-guidelines.html)​ - **Linking to external platforms** - For licensed platforms (Kanopy, Alexander Street, etc.), libraries may batch‑load provider‑supplied records and adjust them locally; classification is often generic if the vendor metadata is minimal.[enssib+1](https://www.enssib.fr/bibliotheque-numerique/documents/70874-best-practices-for-cataloging-streaming-media.pdf)​ - For freely available web videos, including some YouTube content, individual cataloging is typically reserved for items of high relevance (e.g., instructional series, unique local content).[tandfonline+1](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01639374.2024.2391295)​ --- ## YouTube videos specifically - **Selective cataloging, not full ingestion** - Libraries generally do **not** attempt to classify the entire YouTube platform; instead, they pick specific channels or videos that have enduring research or instructional value.[tandfonline+1](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01639374.2024.2391295)​ - These are then described using RDA, given subject headings and a classification number, and linked in the catalog with a URL.[enssib+1](https://www.enssib.fr/bibliotheque-numerique/documents/70874-best-practices-for-cataloging-streaming-media.pdf)​ - **How they would be classified** - The video’s **content** determines its class: a YouTube lecture on quantum mechanics might get the same science number as a book on that topic (e.g., in LC, QC; in Dewey, 530‑level), plus form/genre headings for “Internet videos” or “Streaming video.”[stanford+1](https://web.stanford.edu/~gdegroat/RDAvideo-cataloging-guidelines.html)​ - Catalogers may record relationships to other resources (e.g., “video adaptation of,” “based on”) using RDA relationship designators, which have been shown to apply well to YouTube resources.[tandfonline](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01639374.2024.2391295)​ --- ## Access vs. shelf classification - **Classification is for intellectual arrangement and discovery** - For both DVDs and streaming/YouTube items, the classification number mainly supports subject browsing and faceted search in the catalog, rather than literal shelf order.[cornerstone.lib.mnsu+2](https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1027&context=olac-publications)​ - Physical storage (for discs) or platform location (for streams) is handled with separate location codes, URLs, and local notes, while the subject classification stays within the bibliographic description.[guides.uflib.ufl+1](https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/c.php?g=147853&p=6778333)​ 1. [https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/c.php?g=147853&p=6778333](https://guides.uflib.ufl.edu/c.php?g=147853&p=6778333) 2. [https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1027&context=olac-publications](https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1027&context=olac-publications) 3. [https://www.enssib.fr/bibliotheque-numerique/documents/70874-best-practices-for-cataloging-streaming-media.pdf](https://www.enssib.fr/bibliotheque-numerique/documents/70874-best-practices-for-cataloging-streaming-media.pdf) 4. [https://www.library.umass.edu/wikis/acp/doku.php?id=dvd_cataloging_streamlined_guidelines](https://www.library.umass.edu/wikis/acp/doku.php?id=dvd_cataloging_streamlined_guidelines) 5. [https://ccad.libguides.com/film/dewey](https://ccad.libguides.com/film/dewey) 6. [https://www.loc.gov/catworkshop/courses/fundamentalslcc/pdf/classify-instr-manual.pdf](https://www.loc.gov/catworkshop/courses/fundamentalslcc/pdf/classify-instr-manual.pdf) 7. [https://www.reddit.com/r/Libraries/comments/50zllc/how_does_your_library_organize_dvds_multisub/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Libraries/comments/50zllc/how_does_your_library_organize_dvds_multisub/) 8. [https://web.library.yale.edu/book/export/html/2134](https://web.library.yale.edu/book/export/html/2134) 9. [https://connect.ala.org/discussion/cataloging-video-resources-with-rda-and-marc21-best-practices](https://connect.ala.org/discussion/cataloging-video-resources-with-rda-and-marc21-best-practices) 10. [https://web.stanford.edu/~gdegroat/RDAvideo-cataloging-guidelines.html](https://web.stanford.edu/~gdegroat/RDAvideo-cataloging-guidelines.html) 11. [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01639374.2024.2391295](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01639374.2024.2391295) 12. [https://share.illinoisheartland.org/sites/default/files/uploaded_media/OLAC%20Best%20Practices%20for%20Cataloging%20DVD-Video%20and%20Blu-ray%20Discs%20O.pdf](https://share.illinoisheartland.org/sites/default/files/uploaded_media/OLAC%20Best%20Practices%20for%20Cataloging%20DVD-Video%20and%20Blu-ray%20Discs%20O.pdf) 13. [https://libraryjuiceacademy.com/shop/course/135-cataloging-dvds-blu-ray-discs-and-streaming-videos/](https://libraryjuiceacademy.com/shop/course/135-cataloging-dvds-blu-ray-discs-and-streaming-videos/) 14. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Dewey_Decimal_classes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Dewey_Decimal_classes) 15. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3hafSNH_3A](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3hafSNH_3A) 16. [https://www.oclc.org/content/dam/oclc/webdewey/help/table-1.pdf](https://www.oclc.org/content/dam/oclc/webdewey/help/table-1.pdf) 17. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC0JOaWXYFg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC0JOaWXYFg) 18. [https://www.bloomsbury.com/au/cataloging-of-audiovisual-materials-and-other-special-materials-9781591586357/](https://www.bloomsbury.com/au/cataloging-of-audiovisual-materials-and-other-special-materials-9781591586357/) 19. [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRaydtZpHu2pgdVKKkUqXqOtMZWU7uv08](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRaydtZpHu2pgdVKKkUqXqOtMZWU7uv08) 20. [https://libguides.uark.edu/c.php?g=150215&p=1493771](https://libguides.uark.edu/c.php?g=150215&p=1493771) ---