Harvard Theatre Collection: TS Classification
The TS Classification must be used with caution: it has been built up incrementally (and not necessarily logically) over many years; and as the Harvard Theatre Collection expands its collecting scope, no suitable TS number will be found for some new acquisitions. Note that some TS call numbers are no longer to be used.
TS call numbers have been constructed in the same fashion as have Widener call numbers, i.e. by adding dot numbers. No documentation seems to exist for how dot numbers have been assigned to individual TS numbers—one must study the existing call number arrangement and interpolate new items in what appears to be the most logical manner.
Many TS call numbers are constructed using the "99", "373", or "784" number tables (appended) in a process similar to Cuttering. Be careful to select the number properly, i.e. by title, or main entry, etc., as this will vary depending on the class number. In very full classes (e.g. TS 8001-8784 (Opera Libretti)) a 4-digit year date (space, no dot) is added to the call number.
When assigning TS call numbers, always verify in the HTC shelf list (both in the card file and online) that the call number chosen is unique (i.e. fill out a green slip and file it). It is not unusual to find that a call number has already been assigned to an item that was not reconned for HOLLIS.
In the following schedule, TS 552 (Ballet and Dance) is arranged by subject. A separate numeric arrangement is appended .
TS Classification Schemes (searchable PDF)
Printed Flat Material
As of late 2015, a decision was made, in consultation with the Public Services staff, to stop classifying all printed flat material. (No more TS or LC!) Instead, shelving will simply be a sequential number.
In the case of a majority of the material, this means using the letters "HTCE" in subfield c of the 852 (referring to Harvard Theatre Collection ephemera) followed by a space and a number. That number will be determined by searching the "other" call number index in Aleph and finding the last number assigned. So - HTCE 1, HTCE2, HTCE 3 ...
Only one sequence will used for all sizes. They will be distinguished in the subfield b of the 852 and follow our already-established collection codes of B, PFD (half flat-file drawers) and PPF (full drawers).
ONE EXCEPTION: We have also established the same pattern for sheet music, but instead of "HTCE" the designation will start "Sheet music" - e.g. Sheet music 1, Sheet music 2, Sheet music 3 ...