The document F 592 from the Library of Congress (LOC) Classification and Shelflisting Manual provides guidelines for classifying works on Foreign Relations within the LOC classification system (specifically schedules D, E, and F).
Below is a summary of the key instructions for catalogers:
1. Scope and Distinctions
Historical vs. Theoretical: This sheet applies to works discussing the historical aspects of a region or country's foreign relations (classed in D, E, and F). Works focusing on the theoretical aspects of international relations are instead classed in JZ.
Region Definition: For these purposes, a "region" is defined as any geographic area consisting of two or more countries (e.g., Africa, Scandinavia, South Asia).
2. General Foreign Relations
Works discussing the general foreign relations of a country or region should be placed in the specific "Foreign and General Relations" number for that entity.
If the work is limited to a specific time period, it is classed under the corresponding chronological number for that country's foreign relations.
3. Relations Between Two Entities
The manual provides a hierarchy for deciding where to class a book that discusses the relationship between two places:
Region vs. Country: If a work discusses the relations between a large region and a single country, it is always classed with the region (e.g., a book on U.S. policy toward Africa is classed with Africa).
Region vs. Region: Class based on the primary emphasis of the work.
United States vs. Another Country: Works discussing the U.S. and one other specific country are classed with the United States (Schedule E).
Country vs. Country (non-U.S.): For relations between two individual countries (neither being the U.S.), the cataloger chooses based on the emphasis of the work. This is determined by the title, the text, or the country of publication.
4. Specific Time Periods
Works should be classed in the specific time period number if one exists.
If a specific foreign relations number for a certain period does not exist, the work is classed in the next broader foreign relations number available for that country.
Summary Table of Classification Priority
| Relationship Type | Where to Class |
| Region + Country | Under the Region |
| U.S. + One Country | Under the United States |
| Two Regions | Under the Main Emphasis |
| Two Countries (No U.S.) | Under the Main Emphasis |
