Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Dewey Decimal Classification. This information system was first published in 1876 and
has undergone 23 renditions since this time (Bhattacharjee 2010). These changes are
imperative to the mass of knowledge and information generated with each passing day.
In order for the system to stay current, these revisions must take place and evolve with
the growing influx of data. Within the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), there are a
series of ten major categories or classes of knowledge. Each of these ten major
classes are then broken into ten divisions (10 major classes X 10 divisions=100 total
divisions). Finally, each of these 100 divisions are divided once again into 10 additional
creates a hierarchical system for the organization of the information within the global
library system. An implementation of a system of this magnitude was necessary for the
denotes the importance of the Dewey Decimal Classification system via the division of
knowledge into specific classes and how this hierarchical scale provides insight to its
users. The origin of this type of classification system, how the Dewey Decimal classes
generate a more detailed and structured classification system for information and
knowledge. This system relied heavily upon the hierarchical standards of organization.
His development introduced the world to a unique ability to add information (books,
journals, tapes, etc.) to a librarys shelving system with minimal interruption of the
previously shelved items. Through Deweys ingenious method, the new information
specific classes. This structured system offered a much more detailed version of what
was once used by the card cataloging system as a classification of material. Generally
classification means division into groups and arranging groups into a preferred
sequence. In everyday life, we use classification in all areas. This helps to increase
efficiency for sorting out and arrangement of the things (Bhattacharjee 2010, 292). A
group and retrieve information in all aspects of discovery. To be sensible and usable, a
classification must:
These aspects give a strong clarification of how the system is specialized into specific
the information to gradually be broken down into a more specialized category with
minute similarities. An information specialist of any level of experience would find this to
relationship. The vast amount of knowledge which can be found within the different
classes, divisions, and sections creates numerous problems for an individuals desire to
browse the shelves searching for information, as well as the ability to place the material
resource; this arrangement means less work for the staff of an individual library
the use of the class system, developed by Dewey, individuals are able to use a
Creating a field of knowledge with regards to the Dewey Decimal classes would be
extremely useful for any aspiring information professional. Becoming familiar with the
class structure would be of great importance. The ability to decipher and correlate the
relationships between the classes, divisions, and sections of the Dewey Decimal system
would allow the user to develop a greater understanding; therefore, the information
specialist would be more apt to establish a successful working relationship in the area of
areas. This system allows informational professionals around the world to process the
information in an intelligent manner. Hence all library materials are grouped in these
3) 200-Religion
4) 300-Social sciences
5) 400-Language
7) 600-Technology
9) 800-Literature
These ten classes are the broad subject areas in which the knowledge and information
can be classified. Deweys system correlates the class name to the identifying numeral
which represents the class. This is the first step in the classification process. From
here the information could be digested into a more specific area of study within the
realm of the one-hundred divisions and still further divided into one of the one-thousand
sections. This process can create a slight problem for the sorting, development, or
retrieval of information with regards to this specific criterion. .....different books or
materials in same field have the same notation i.e. number (Bhattacharjee 2010, 293).
From the very beginning, for a variety of good reasons, usage of Dewey was focused
nature of Arabic numerals; others include the ability of the notational system to carry
mnemonic characteristic; specifically, that similar numbers are often about similar
things (Panzer 2013, 23). These hierarchal notations determine where the information
will be located and the class, division, and section the classification falls within; the
more specifications placed upon the information the more detailed the notation will
become. The specific type of numerical classification allows for universal understanding
and provides continuity for immense volumes of information. This precise method is
what causes discourse for the informational professional because of the opportunity for
multiple sources to contain the same notational description as another similar source.
However, this precision creates the possibility to locate books and return them to their
proper physical location on library shelves throughout the world. The position of
information (books, journals, tapes, etc.) in a specific area will be indicative of the
researchers take some responsibility. We need to look at the diversity of groups using
libraries and apply a range of optional, partial, and local solutions (Olson 2015, 121). It
is critical to keep in mind that not all libraries will physically be capable of sustaining a
system of this type. The availability of materials which meet the needs of the
community should be the number one priority. Classifying of materials within a
among its services. Depending on the requirements of the librarys clientele, elements
revealed can be captions, index terms and mappings, or number components (Panzer
2013, 28). This simplicity in classification (smaller class or groupings) for the small
public or school libraries may be the key for creating a harmonious environment which
allows for the needs to be met for that particular group. A condensed version of the
Dewey classes may be far more beneficial for some smaller libraries. An informational
professional should contemplate what will work or not work for their particular patrons.
In some environments, the need for a more technological approach may be the needed
course of action. .....the Dewey Decimal Classification, best known for shelf-
Robinson 2012, 108). This type of usage allows for regular updates which cannot be
Informational professionals would find the Dewey Decimal classes to be relevant and
development of the classes created a hierarchical system which uses Arabic numerals
to represent the differing classes. These classes are broken down even further. This
process then creates an area of greater similarity with the materials in that particular
groupings can be adapted to meet the needs of a library regardless of size or clientele.
Bibliography
Chicago: Neal-Schuman.
Bhattacharjee, Pijush Kanti. 2010. Modified Dewey Decimal Classification Theory for
Panzer, Michael. 2013. Dewey: How to Make It Work for You. Knowledge Quest 42
(2): 22-9.