What’s the best DDC number for a work about using Zoom, or other online meeting applications like Google Hangouts, Microsoft Teams, or WebEx? As with many topics, it can really depend based on the emphasis and the discipline of the book.
At 004.6 Interfacing and communications, you can find the mapped LCSH “Internet videoconferencing”. You’ll also find a see-Manual reference for 004.6 vs. 384.3 Computer communication services, which suggests 004.6 if in doubt.
You might think a work like Zoom for dummies doesn’t sound like computer science, but the DDC doesn’t limit computer science to the sort of advanced material you’d find in a university computer science department. “How-to” type works about using computer applications fit here just fine.
But take care if you have a work that isn’t really about using Zoom or similar programs. Consider a work like You’re on mute. With a chapter on dating and advice like not engaging in video calls while in the bathroom (!), it sounds more like etiquette. I’d recommend 395.5 Etiquette by situations for this work, which has online etiquette in an including note. Too bad this is in standing room and you can’t add T1—0207 Humorous treatment!
If you have a work about Zoom and similar technologies for instructional use, like Introduction to teaching with Zoom, check 371.358 Electronic distance education, which has teleconferencing in an including note.
Other numbers you might want to consider include 658.456, for business meetings, or even 060, the interdisciplinary number for meetings. Should you add T1—0285 Computer applications if able? Good question. Just because something’s happening with a computer doesn’t mean you should necessarily add it, given how much we do in our daily lives with computers now.
Above all, consider your work in hand. Computer science could be appropriate even if the work isn’t highly technical… but many other disciplines could be appropriate if they’re the focus of the work.
I’m hoping to discuss these issues further with the Editorial Policy Committee (EPC) at their next meeting—and we may have some improvements to our coverage of topics like Zoom meetings then too. In the meantime, I’d love to hear about what kind of literature you’re seeing in this area, and where you’re classing it.
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