Dewey Decimal Classification
System
Melvil Dewey invented the Dewey Decimal
Classification System in 1876.
Brilliant!
The Dewey Decimal Classification
System is often abbreviated as
DDC
Classification systems help keep items organized.
The Dewey Decimal Classification System was
invented to help keep books on a library shelf
organized!
Classification definition:
Putting items with similar qualities in a group.
In the DDC system, a group of similar items is
called a class.
How the Dewey Decimal Classification
System Works:
Dewey came up with 10 Main Classes for
organizing books.
He assigned a number and a subject for each
of the 10 main classes.
10 Main Classes
of the Dewey Decimal Classification System
Class Number
Class Subject
000 – 099
Generalities : Encyclopedias, Computers, Libraries,
100 – 199
Psychology/Philosophy: Ghosts, Dreams, Supernatural, Feelings
200 – 299
Religion: Bible Stories, Mythology, World Religions
300 – 399
Social Science: Money, Transportation, Government, Folklore
400 – 499
Language: Grammar, Dictionaries, Thesauri, Foreign Languages
500 – 599
Natural Science/Mathematics: Weather, Animals, Electricity
600 – 699
Applied Science/Technology: Machines, Pet Care, Medicine,
700 – 799
Arts and Recreation: Drawing, Crafts, Music, Sports
800 – 899
Literature: Plays, Poetry, Short Stories
900 – 999
History/Geography: Explorers, Countries, Ancient Cultures
Each class is divided into 10 subclasses.
500 – 599 Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Subclass Number
500
510
520
530
540
550
560
570
580
590
Subclass Subject
Pure Sciences
Mathematics
Astronomy
Physics
Chemistry
Earth sciences & geology
Fossils & prehistoric life
Life sciences; biology
Plants (Botany)
Body Systems Animals/Insects
Each subclass is divided into 10 sections.
590 Animals & Insects
Section Number
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
Section Subject
Body Systems of Animals and Insects
Zoology
Invertebrates, Worms
Sea Invertebrates, Coral
Mollusks, Octopus, Squid,
Snail
Insects, Spiders
Vertebrates
Fish, Amphibians, Frogs, Snakes
Reptiles and Birds
Mammals of the Land and Ocean
Using the Dewey Decimal Classification System, all
nonfiction books are classified (grouped) by subject.
Books about similar subjects are placed together on the shelf.
Tigers
Big Cats
African
Big Cats
The Decimal Point in the Dewey Decimal Classification
System.
A decimal point is added after the first three numbers.
There is no limit on how many numbers can be added
after the decimal point.
The more numbers that are added after the decimal,
the more specific the subject.
796.8153 = ???
The Dewey Decimal number is
printed on a label and placed
on the spine of the book. That’s why
It’s called a spine label!
Spine Labels:
1) Contain the DDC number.
2) Contain the first three letters of the author’s last name .
3) Guide the librarian to place the book in the correct order
on a shelf.
Sea Horse
By
Sam Smith
S
597.53
SMI
Library books are shelved in
Dewey Decimal Number order.
597.5
JEN
597.51
KIN
597.52
MOR
597.53
SMI
How nice to have
all the fish books
together on the
shelf!
Library books are shelved in Dewey Decimal Number order.
Discuss with your partner: Looking at the spine labels of the
books below, which book is not in the correct order?
597.3
JEN
597.36
KIN
597.24
MOR
597.53
SMI
Bonus: Discuss with your partnerLook at these aisles in this grocery store.
Describe how these products are classified.
So remember...
…Dewey Decimal Classification
Library Books Have Class!