The document discusses classification systems used in libraries, focusing on the Dewey Decimal System (DDS). It explains that the DDS organizes materials into 10 main classes which are further divided and arranged numerically. Items are shelved based on their DDS classification number so that similar materials are housed together. The document provides details on assigning classification numbers and constructing call numbers, which uniquely identify items' location on the shelf.

1. CLASSIFICATIO
N
in the school library

2. Classification
 The process of dividing objects or concepts
into logically hierarchical classes, subclasses,
and sub-subclasses based on the
characteristics they have in common and
those that distinguish them. Definition from ODLIS at
http://lu.com/odlis/odlis_c.cfm#classification

3. Why do we need to Classify?
 Because a resource can only physically be in
one location!

4. Benefits of Classification
 Works are shelved by classification number. It
provides a sort of codified subject heading that
reflects what the item is “about” so that items
are housed together with other items “about”
the same subject.
 Keeping like items together serves the
browsing interests of library patrons.

5. Classification Systems
 Dewey Decimal System
 Library of Congress
 Dublin Core
 Others

6. The Library of Congress
Classification System
 26 letters form main classes
 Each class is divided by 2nd alphabet, then
arithmetically
 Each of the schedules is developed
independently, so there are few common
patterns of number building
 Used for larger collections
 Easier to assign unique call numbers

7. The Dewey Decimal Classification
System
 Relative location system
 Universal notation based on the use of the
decimal system
 10 main classes
 Arabic numerals
 Various mnemonic aids and standard
subdivisions
 Useful for libraries with 20,000 or fewer
volumes

8. Choosing between the systems
 Size of the collection
 Knowledge level of the users
 Source of the classification numbers
 Networking obligations
 May always make exceptions
 Dewey “does it” for most school libaries

9. Dewey Decimal Classification
(DDC)
A hierarchical system for
classifying books and other
library materials by subject,
first published in 1876 by the
librarian and educator Melvil
Dewey, who divided human
knowledge into 10 main
classes, each of which is
divided into 10 divisions, and
so on. In Dewey Decimal call
numbers, Arabic numerals
and decimal fractions are
used in the class notation
(example: 996.9).
http://www.flickr.com/photos/metabrilliant/3583184475/sizes/m/

10. Classifying using DDC
 Determine the subject of the information
package
Generally one classification number is
assigned to an item, whereas one to six (or
more) subject headings may be needed to
fully reflect content beyond the primary
subject area.
Classification will be based only on the
primary facet of an item, whatever is
considered most significant in placing the
item within the collection.

11. Remember
 Select a classification number based on the
“field of study” or discipline and not “subject”
 Consider the use of the item
 Example: a book about horses can be located
in the discipline of zoology (study of the
anatomy of the horse-599.725), animal
husbandry (breeding-636.1), or even in sports
(horse racing-798.4).

12. Conundrum
 Should two copies of the same item be located
in two different places in the library?
 Kaplan and Riedling give an emphatic NO
 I say “it depends”
 Consider the needs of your users
 Remember there are no cataloging police

13. Dewey Decimal Classification
(DDC)
 Abridged vs unabridged
 – Most school libraries use abridged
 Unabridged is much more specific (more
numbers to the right of the decimal point)
 Guide contains tables, explanations, subject
index to help you determine the number
http://www.flickr.com/photos/75905404@N00/423936278/sizes/m/

14. The 14th Abridged Edition of the
DDC
 Based on the full edition
 Shorter notation (able to divide numbers from
the full edition at the prime--’--)
 Easier to remember
 Less expensive

15. Components
 Introduction
 Glossary
 Tables
 Summaries
 Schedules (where the numbers are)
 Relative Index
 Manual

16. One key concept
 The Dewey system relates subjects to
disciplines
 Subjects are listed alphabetically in the
relative index
 Under each subject the relative index lists the
various disciplines under which the subject
may be found

17. How to locate a Dewey Number
 Consult the DDC Relative Index under the
subject area
 Enter the schedules at the number identified
from the index
 Study the outline and scan the schedules to
identify possible numbers
 But there are easier ways …

18. Suggested DDC nos. can be
found in:
 Selection tools
 Reviews
 Publishers’ and vendors’ catalogs
 Sears List of Subject Headings
 Cataloging in Publication (CIP) in book
– provided by most publishers = full
catalog card information on title page
verso; should always be verified with
source (created early in publication
cycle)
 Your own catalog for similar items

19. What if
 An item has more than one subject?
 If one subject is applied to another, class with the
subject acted upon
 Use the classification number for the subject receiving
fuller treatment
 With 2 subjects given equal treatment, class in the
number coming first in the schedules (but check the
schedule)
 With 3 subjects, class in the first higher number that
covers them all

20. Call Number
 A unique code printed on a label affixed to
the outside of an item in a library collection.
Assigned by the cataloger, the call number
is also displayed in the bibliographic record
that represents the item in the library catalog,
to identify the specific copy of the work and
give its relative location on the shelf.

21. Components of a Call Number
 Top line may be a special location reference
 In a school library you may see
 REF for reference materials
 AV for audiovisuals
 MM for multimedia
 PRO for professional
 Check spine labels of other library items for uniformity

22. Components of a Call Number
 Second line is the classification number
 Third line is the book number, Cutter number
or shelf mark
 In school libraries, the book number is typically
the first 3 letters of the author’s last name
 Sometimes see years added for a possible
fourth line to indicate edition

23. Local Decisions
 Biographies
 B, 92 or 920
 Don’t use author’s last name unless it is an
autobiography
 Developed in each MC to assist its particular
users
 Find out what they are – look for written record
in a cataloging guide (“local authority file”) or
check similar materials

24. Are all Dewey books nonfiction?
 NO! NO! NO!
 Dewey can be used to organize all types of
materials
 800s are literature but we usually shelve our
popular fiction/picture books alphabetically by
author
 Dewey is used for poetry, plays, joke books,
folk and fairy tales
 More accurate to say that the Dewey section
includes INFORMATIONAL items

25. What “Dewey” do about fiction?
 Fiction materials are given call numbers too!
 Fiction
 F or FIC +1st 3 letters of the author’s last
name
 Picture Books
 Everybody (or Easy)
 E +1st 3 letters of author’s last name
 Story Collection
 SC + 1st 3 letters of author’s last name

26. Order of DDC Numbers
 DDC numbers are arranged in decimal
number order.
 After the decimal point, look at each decimal
place one at a time and put those numbers in
order.
 Unless they are the same, you will not need to
look at the next place.
Mortimer, M. (2000). Learn Dewey Decimal Classification. Lanham, MD.: The
Scarecrow Press.

27. An Example of DDC Number
Order
 348.003
 348.01
 348.02
 348.022
 348.14
 348.141
 348.675
 348.74
 348.744

28. Shelf Arrangement
 Nonfiction materials are shelved in number
order
 The lower numbers are on the left
 The numbers increase as you move to the right
 The numbers increase from the top shelf to the
bottom shelf
 This is very similar to how we read words on a
page

29. Shelf Arrangement
Numbers increase from top to bottom
Numbers increase from left to right
http://www.flickr.com/photos/katerba/1522085378/sizes/m/

30. Some issues with Dewey
 The nature of the classification system itself
 The unfamiliarity of the system to most users
 The complexity of the way some numbers are
assigned
 It’s not like Barnes & Noble!
 How does a system like this relate to
information on the web?
 Tagging
 Key words

31. Unique uses of Dewey

32. http://www.deweybrowse.org/

33. http://spacefem.com/quizzes/dewey/

36. One very creative use of the
DDC
The Library Hotel, New York City
http://www.libraryhotel.com/dewey-decimal-system/i
10 floors, one for each of the 10 main Dewey
classes
Each room includes books on the topics from
the Dewey class
Example: 9th floor is history (900s)
One room is 20th century history, one is Asian
history, etc.

38. The End