Post on 01-Nov-2014
description
Understanding Understanding Dewey!Dewey!
Everything you wanted to know
about finding materials in the library media
center!
Libraries Begin
It was during the 1800’s that libraries were beginning to spring up around the country. The printing press had made more and more books available to the general public, and more and more people were learning to read.
A Problem Evolves
Melvil Dewey was a very bright but frustrated librarian. As more and more books were added to his library collection, he found it difficult to locate materials.
Being a resourceful young man, he decided to create a standardized numbering system for classifying nonfiction books in a library.
How Should Dewey Start?
Dewey wanted a system that put subjects into ten basic areas. (That’s because our numbering system is based on “ten”.) He wanted each book to have a specific number on the book spine so that the book would have a specific location on a library shelf.
If he used decimals with his base ten numbering system, he figured he could create detailed numbers for detailed subjects.
Dewey Classification
100’s 200’s 300’s
400’s 500’s 600’s
700’s 800’s 900’s
And……….
000’s
These are the basic ten sections of every library that uses the Dewey Decimal System. And, most libraries for schools and the public use this system.
Subjects ?
Dewey chose his ten basic subject areas by pretending to be a caveman. What kind of questions would the “first man” ask?
Dewey also wanted to be able to include subjects that were yet to be created due to future technology. (Smart guy, huh?)
What are the subjects What are the subjects associated with these associated with these
ten areas?ten areas?
Take a look…..
100’s
Who Am I?
This section provides information about …
Philosophy & Psychology
Self-esteem Ethics Logic Astrology
200’s
Where did I come from?
This sections provides information about…
Religion & Mythology
• Bible
• Religious books of all sects
• Religious history
• Mythology
300’s
What about others?
This sections provides information about…
Social Sciences
Government & laws Economics Social Groups & Problems Education Careers Folklore Customs Holidays
400’s
How do I communicate with others?
This sections provides information about…
Language
Linguistics Dictionaries All Languages:
– German– French– Italian– Spanish,– Latin,– Greek– Sign
500’s
What about the world around me?
This sections provides information about…
Natural Science & Mathematics
Mathematics Forces of Nature:
– Astronomy– Physics– Chemistry
Earth Sciences Weather Paleontology Life Sciences Plants Animals
600’s
How can I use natural
things in the world to
improve my life?
This sections provides information about…
Technology
Farming Medicine Engineering Manufacturing Business
Cooking Sewing Pets Building
700’s
How can I enjoy
my leisure time?
This sections provides information about…
Fine Arts & Recreation
Art Music Dance Films Hobbies Sports
800’s
What are man’s greatest thoughts & deeds?
This sections provides
information about…
Literature
Poetry Plays Jokes & Riddles
900’s
What has man recorded about his history?
This section
provides information about…
Geography & History
Geography & travel Individual biographies Group biographies History of Ancient World Histories by area
000’s
Where do items that don’t seem to fit in any of the other nine sections get placed?
This is where you would find…
Generalities
General Encyclopedias Library Science Miscellaneous (for example: Bigfoot,
UFO’s) They are not really fiction or nonfiction.
What about Subdivisions?
Each of these ten general subject areas can be subdivided indefinitely. The more specific the number, the more specific the subject.
For example:
Subdivision Example:
900’sHistory 970’sHistory of North America 979’sRocky Mountain Area 979.2 State of Utah
Got the picture? From large to small, or from general to specific. We could keep going….
How Are Dewey Numbers Assigned?
Every library uses the Dewey Decimal Classification Book.
This book has all of the number divisions and subdivision listed.
The librarian uses this book to select the correct Dewey Decimal Number for each title in the library.
Find that Book!
Look up a title in the library computer. Write down the Dewey Decimal Number. Go to the nonfiction section of the library. Follow along the shelves numerically until
you locate the book. All books on the same subject will be
placed together on the shelf. Thank You, Melvil Dewey!