The Imperatives of Classifying Legal Materials using Moys Classification Scheme in Nigerian Law Libraries

Abstract

This paper discusses Moys Classification Scheme. It reviews the problems associated with classifying law books and highlights the reason for the late entrance of classification of law library collections in librarianship. The basic structure of the scheme was discussed in line with how the scheme is used for classifying legal materials. The paper observes that the advantage of the Scheme over other schemes apart from its arrangement of materials in a way that reflects the way lawyers think about legal materials is its provision of class KP for own country. It also states that in line with the directive and mandate of the Council on Legal Education many academic law libraries in Nigeria have adopted the scheme to organize their resources. The paper concludes that as a result of the unique nature, inherent qualities and coverage of the scheme, it is more suitable for legal materials in law libraries in Nigeria.

Keywords: Classification, Moys Classification Scheme, Legal Materials, Law Libraries, Nigeria.