The first edition of the system was released in 1921 and was based on the classification that was used in the accession catalogs of the scientific libraries of that time.
The abbreviation 'SAB' is for "Sveriges Allmänna Biblioteksförening" (Sweden's public library association).
The SAB system is regularly revised to track developments in new subject areas.
The committee for classification systems for Swedish libraries — a part of Svensk Biblioteksförening — promulgates changes, corrections, and usage notes.
A considerable savings would be enjoyed by both parties by not having to maintain a distinct national classification system.