This document discusses the Dewey Decimal Classification system and the "WebDewey" online tool. It provides an overview of the history and basic principles of the Dewey system developed by Melvil Dewey in 1876. Key points covered include how the decimal structure is organized into ten main classes with ten divisions in each, the process for assigning classification numbers by looking up subjects in the index and schedules, and different methods for building complete numbers from partial numbers in the schedules. Examples are provided to illustrate classification of different subject materials.

1. Dewey Decimal Classification
&
“WebDewey”
Brenton Stewart, MSLS, Ph.D.

2. Announcements
Next Week
• Ignite Project Workshop
– No chat next week (Due 11/18)
• Metadata System Review (Due 12/2)
– start thinking about a site
– Archive / Museum
– Library OPAC (academic, school, special)
– Digital Libraries

3. Last Week
• Subject Analysis
• Classification Web
• How did it go?

4. Dewey Decimal Classification
• Melvil Dewey (18511931)
• Amherst College
Librarian
• A Classification and
Subject Index for
Cataloging and
Arranging Books and
Pamphlets of a Library
~1876

5. DDC Basic Principles
•
•
•
•
Decimal Structure
Ten main classes
Ten divisions in each main class
Pure Arabic numbers

6. Image from OCLC

8. Assigning Classification Numbers
• Look the subject up in the index
• Consult the schedule for the suggested
number(s) (WebDewey – click on
suggested numbers)
• If more than one number is suggested
decide which one is the best for the item
being classified

9. What do you mean by shellfish?
Shellfish: as Marine Animal (
Zoology)
Shellfish as Public
Health issue
Shellfish as
human food
(Cookbook)

10. Methods of Assigning
Numbers
• Schedule numbers - these numbers are
taken directly from the schedules with no
modifications required.
• Adding a full number - Combining two
numbers from the schedules to create the
number assigned. You only do this when
instructed to do so in the schedules.

11. Building Numbers
Fine Arts Library: IU
• Libraries specializing in
the fine arts
• Libraries = 026
• Fine Arts = 700
• 026 + 700 = 026.7
•
(drop the trailing zeros - Dewey
classification numbers never end with
a zero after a decimal, although they
may end with a zero if there is no
decimal)
Image Source: libraries.iub.edu

16. •
•
•
•
•
Adding part of a number, e.g.,
Wages in textile industries 331.2877
Wages
331.28
Textiles
677
The note under 331.28 says "Add to base
number 331.28 the numbers following 6 in 620690.
• The classification number for textiles is 677.
Only the 77 is used as per the instructions.

17. BIOGRAPHY
• Classification of
Biography
•
•
Biography 920
Possible treatments - depends on
needs of library and whether local
policy dictates that all biographies be
shelved together in one section or
classified by subject orientation.

19. “B”
“BIO”

20. DRILL DOWN THROUGH
SCHEDULES!
LEVEL ONE
LEVEL TWO
LEVEL THREE
LEVEL FOUR
Image Source: Wikipedia

21. Dewey Exercise
• Laws regarding loans
• Dictionaries, Encyclopedias,
Concordances
• Hierarchy

22. EXAMPLE 1: Classification

26. EXAMPLE 2
• Dictionary of Biological terms

33. EXAMPLE 3: Hierarchy

36. Hierarchy