Decoding Dewey: A Comprehensive Guide to Using the Dewey Decimal System
Navigating a library, especially a large one, can feel overwhelming. Rows upon rows of books, seemingly arranged at random, can be daunting for even the most seasoned reader. But fear not! Libraries are meticulously organized using systems like the Dewey Decimal System (DDC), a classification system that brings order to the chaos and allows you to find exactly what you’re looking for. This comprehensive guide will demystify the Dewey Decimal System and empower you to use it effectively.
## What is the Dewey Decimal System?
The Dewey Decimal System, conceived by Melvil Dewey in 1876, is a proprietary library classification system. It uses numbers to organize non-fiction books by subject, providing a logical and hierarchical structure that makes it easy to locate books on a specific topic. It is used in over 200,000 libraries in at least 135 countries. While some large academic libraries and special collections might use the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system, DDC remains the most prevalent system, particularly in public and school libraries.
## Understanding the Basics: The Ten Main Classes
The DDC is built upon ten main classes, each represented by a range of numbers. These main classes cover the entire spectrum of human knowledge. Here’s a breakdown:
* **000 – Computer science, information & general works:** This section includes encyclopedias, bibliographies, journalism, computer science, and library science. Think general knowledge, reference materials, and everything related to information technology.
* **100 – Philosophy & psychology:** This area encompasses topics like metaphysics, ethics, logic, psychology, and parapsychology. It delves into the fundamental questions of existence, thought, and behavior.
* **200 – Religion:** This class covers various religions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and mythology. It includes religious texts, doctrines, and practices.
* **300 – Social sciences:** This broad category includes sociology, political science, economics, law, education, commerce, communications, and transportation. It explores how societies function and how people interact within them.
* **400 – Language:** This section focuses on languages, linguistics, grammars, dictionaries, and language learning. It covers the structure and use of languages from around the world.
* **500 – Science:** This class encompasses mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, geology, biology, botany, and zoology. It deals with the natural world and the laws that govern it.
* **600 – Technology:** This practical section includes engineering, medicine, agriculture, home economics, business, and management. It covers applied sciences and practical skills.
* **700 – Arts & recreation:** This area covers fine arts, music, performing arts, sports, and recreation. It includes painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, dance, theater, and various hobbies.
* **800 – Literature:** This class includes poetry, drama, fiction, and literary criticism. It covers literature from various cultures and time periods.
* **900 – History & geography:** This section encompasses history, geography, biography, and travel. It covers historical events, geographical regions, and the lives of notable people.
## Deciphering the Numbers: From General to Specific
Each of these ten main classes is further divided into ten divisions, and each division is further divided into ten sections. This hierarchical structure allows for extremely specific categorization. The more decimal places a number has, the more specific the subject matter.
For example, let’s take the main class of **600 – Technology.**
* **600:** Technology (General)
* **610:** Medical sciences
* **616:** Diseases
* **616.8:** Diseases of the nervous system
* **616.89:** Psychiatry
As you can see, each decimal place narrows down the subject matter, leading you from the broad category of technology to the highly specific field of psychiatry.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Dewey Decimal System
Now that you understand the basics, let’s walk through the process of using the DDC to find a book in a library:
**Step 1: Identify the Subject You’re Interested In**
Before heading to the shelves, clearly define the topic you want to explore. Are you looking for information on the American Civil War, the history of jazz music, or the principles of quantum physics? The more specific you can be, the easier it will be to find relevant books.
**Step 2: Consult the Library Catalog (Online or Physical)**
Libraries use catalogs to list all their holdings. These catalogs are usually available online through the library’s website, and many libraries also have physical catalogs in the form of computer terminals within the library itself.
* **Online Catalog:**
* Visit the library’s website.
* Look for a search bar, usually prominently displayed.
* Enter keywords related to your subject. For example, if you’re interested in the history of Rome, you might search for “Roman history,” “Ancient Rome,” or “Roman Empire.”
* Filter your search if necessary. You might want to limit your search to books only.
* **Physical Catalog (Computer Terminal):**
* Locate a computer terminal within the library.
* Follow the on-screen instructions to search the catalog.
* Enter your keywords as described above.
**Step 3: Analyze the Catalog Results**
The catalog results will display a list of books that match your search terms. For each book, you’ll typically see the following information:
* **Title:** The name of the book.
* **Author:** The person or people who wrote the book.
* **Publication Information:** The publisher and year of publication.
* **Dewey Decimal Number:** This is the crucial piece of information you need to locate the book on the shelves. It’s usually displayed prominently, often near the beginning of the book’s entry.
* **Call Number:** The call number combines the Dewey Decimal number with other information, such as the author’s initial or a cutter number (more on this later), to uniquely identify the book.
* **Availability:** Indicates whether the book is currently available or checked out.
**Step 4: Locate the Book on the Shelves**
Now that you have the Dewey Decimal number (and the complete call number), it’s time to find the book on the shelves. Here’s how:
* **Understand the Arrangement:** Books are arranged on the shelves in numerical order according to their Dewey Decimal numbers. Start by looking for the section of the library that corresponds to the first few digits of your number. For example, if your number is 973.91, start by locating the 900s section (History & Geography), then the 970s (History of North America), and then the 973s (History of the United States).
* **Read the Numbers Carefully:** Pay close attention to the decimal points. Remember that 973.9 comes *before* 973.91, which comes *before* 973.913. The numbers are arranged in ascending order, treating the decimal point as a separator.
* **Follow the Call Number:** The call number usually includes more than just the Dewey Decimal number. It often includes letters, numbers, or a combination of both, which are used to further refine the location of the book. These additional elements usually refer to the author’s last name or a specific edition of the book. Read the call numbers from top to bottom, left to right.
* **Example:** Let’s say you’re looking for a book with the call number **973.91/SMI**. You would first find the 973.91 section of the shelves. Within that section, books will be arranged alphabetically by the next element of the call number, in this case, the author’s initial. You would look for books labeled “SMI.” If there are multiple books with the same author initial, they may be further organized by a cutter number, which provides even more specificity.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Ask:** If you’re having trouble finding a book, don’t hesitate to ask a librarian for help. They are experts at navigating the library and can quickly guide you to the right location.
**Step 5: Browse and Discover Related Materials**
Once you’ve found the book you were looking for, take a moment to browse the surrounding shelves. Books on similar topics will be located nearby, allowing you to discover related materials that you might not have found otherwise. This can be a great way to expand your knowledge and explore new perspectives.
## Understanding Cutter Numbers
As mentioned above, cutter numbers are often part of the call number and provide a way to further differentiate books with the same Dewey Decimal number. A cutter number typically consists of a letter followed by numbers. The letter usually represents the author’s last name, and the numbers provide a unique identifier.
For instance, two books both classified as 530 (Physics) might have call numbers like:
* 530/EIN
* 530/NEW
The “EIN” and “NEW” represent the authors’ last names (presumably Einstein and Newton, respectively) allowing librarians to organize books alphabetically by author within the same subject area.
## Tips for Using the Dewey Decimal System Effectively
* **Start with a Broad Search:** If you’re unsure of the exact Dewey Decimal number for your topic, start with a broad search in the library catalog. This will give you an overview of the available resources and help you narrow down your search.
* **Use Keywords Effectively:** Choose keywords that accurately reflect your subject. Experiment with different keywords to see what results you get. Use more specific keywords for a narrower search and broader keywords for a wider search.
* **Pay Attention to Subdivisions:** The Dewey Decimal System is highly detailed, so pay attention to the subdivisions within each main class. This will help you find books on very specific topics.
* **Take Advantage of Library Resources:** Libraries offer a wealth of resources beyond just books. Explore the library’s online databases, journals, and other materials. Librarians can also provide valuable assistance in finding the information you need.
* **Familiarize Yourself with the Library’s Layout:** Take some time to explore the library and familiarize yourself with its layout. This will make it easier to find the sections you need.
* **Be Patient:** Finding the right book can sometimes take time, especially if you’re researching a complex topic. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find what you’re looking for right away. Keep searching and ask for help if you need it.
* **Note the Number:** When you find a book of particular interest, make a note of its Dewey Decimal number. This makes it easy to find similar books nearby and speeds up future research in the same area. You can also easily direct someone else to the right section, making recommendations simpler.
* **Consider Subject Headings:** The Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) are a standardized list of subject terms used by libraries to describe the content of their materials. If you’re having trouble finding books using keywords, try searching for the LCSH term that corresponds to your topic. You can usually find LCSH terms in the catalog record for a book.
## Common Misconceptions About the Dewey Decimal System
* **The DDC is arbitrary:** While the assignment of specific numbers to topics might seem arbitrary, the system itself is designed to be logical and hierarchical. The numbers are carefully assigned to reflect the relationships between different subjects.
* **All libraries use the same edition of the DDC:** The DDC is regularly updated to reflect new knowledge and changes in terminology. Libraries may use different editions of the DDC, so the exact classification of a book may vary from library to library. However, the core principles of the system remain the same.
* **The DDC is only for books:** While the DDC is primarily used to classify books, it can also be used to classify other types of materials, such as journals, maps, and even websites. In libraries, however, it is most often encountered for physical books.
## Beyond Books: Applying DDC Principles to Digital Organization
The principles of the Dewey Decimal System – hierarchical organization and logical categorization – can be applied beyond the physical library. Consider these applications:
* **File Management on Your Computer:** Organize your computer files using a hierarchical folder structure based on subject. You can even use DDC numbers as folder names to create a consistent and easily navigable system.
* **Website Navigation:** Design website navigation menus using a hierarchical structure similar to the DDC. This makes it easy for users to find the information they’re looking for.
* **Personal Knowledge Management:** Categorize your notes, articles, and other personal knowledge resources using a DDC-inspired system. This will help you organize your thoughts and retrieve information quickly.
## The Future of the Dewey Decimal System
The Dewey Decimal System has been a cornerstone of library organization for over a century. Despite the rise of digital technologies and new methods of information retrieval, the DDC remains relevant and continues to evolve. OCLC, the organization that maintains the DDC, is constantly working to update the system and adapt it to the changing needs of libraries and users. While some libraries are migrating to different organizational methods, the Dewey Decimal System provides a useful method for understanding general categorization and organization.
## Conclusion
The Dewey Decimal System is a powerful tool for navigating the vast world of information. By understanding the basic principles of the DDC and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently locate books and other resources in any library. So, the next time you visit a library, embrace the Dewey Decimal System and unlock the knowledge that awaits you. Happy reading!