The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), often called the Dewey System, is a proprietary library classification system developed by Melvil Dewey in 1876. It was initially created to organize books in libraries in a systematic manner that reflects the order of knowledge in the universe. Here are key aspects:
History
- Origin: Melvil Dewey, an American librarian, introduced the DDC when he was working at the Amherst College library. The first edition was published in 1876.
- Development: The system has undergone numerous revisions to keep pace with changes in knowledge and technology. The 23rd edition was published in 2011, and updates are now managed by OCLC, which purchased the system in 1988.
- Editions: Over the years, the DDC has expanded from its original 1,000 main classes to more than 33,000 detailed classifications in its modern editions.
Structure
The DDC organizes knowledge into ten main classes, each divided into ten divisions, further subdivided into ten sections:
- 000 – Generalities
- 100 – Philosophy and psychology
- 200 – Religion
- 300 – Social sciences
- 400 – Language
- 500 – Natural sciences and mathematics
- 600 – Technology (Applied sciences)
- 700 – The arts; Fine and decorative arts
- 800 – Literature and rhetoric
- 900 – Geography and history
Each section is further broken down by adding decimals. For example, 500 (Natural Sciences) might be divided into 510 (Mathematics), 520 (Astronomy), etc.
Application
- Library Use: The DDC is widely used in public, school, and some academic libraries around the world. It helps patrons locate books by topic and aids librarians in shelving and cataloging.
- Benefits: Its hierarchical structure makes it intuitive for browsing, and its decimal notation allows for infinite expansion and detailed classification.
- Limitations: It has been criticized for its Western bias in categorizing knowledge, and its fixed structure can make it challenging to adapt to new disciplines or interdisciplinary areas of study.
Maintenance and Updates
The system is maintained by the Decimal Classification Editorial Policy Committee (EPC), which is responsible for:
- Revising existing classes
- Adding new classes to reflect emerging fields
- Ensuring the system remains relevant and useful
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