1. The Dewey Decimal System
How it works for you

2. The Dewey Decimal System
Finding exactly what you want can be difficult because there is so much information on so many different topics and in so many formats.
Melvil Dewey solved the problem of what to do with all the knowledge we have acquired.
He classified the world’s knowledge into categories.

3. How do you find the right information?
Finding exactly what you want can be difficult because there is so much information on so many different topics and in so many different formats.

4. Ten Main Categories
Dewey divided the world’s knowledge into ten main categories or groups.
Each group has a main title and is represented by three numbers.
These numbers range from 000 to 999.

5. The Ten Dewey Decimal Categories
Generalities
Philosophy
Religion
Social Science
Language
Science & Math
Technology
Arts & Recreation 700
Literature
Geography & History

6. From General to Specific
A Dewey classification number has three numbers to the left of the decimal point.
HOWEVER, to the right of the decimal, there is no LIMIT.
The more numbers that are added to the right of the decimal point, the more specific the subject is.
For example, let’s consider the 600’s or Technology

7. Topics become more specific to the right of the decimal point
600 Technology
620 Engineering
623 Military & Nautical Engineering
Communications, vehicles, sanitation, related topics
Vehicles
Motor land vehicles
Motor land vehicles for combat
Tanks

8. Circulating vs. Non-Circulating
Circulating means the item: book, magazine, video, DVD, or CD can be borrowed.
Non-circulating means the item can not be borrowed and must remain in the library.
Non-circulating items are marked with the letter “R” as part of the call number.
Non-circulating items can be found in the reference section

9. What is a Call Number?
A call number is a group of numbers and letters precisely arranged which help you find a book.
A call number is located at the bottom of the book on the spine.
The Dewey decimal number followed by the first three letters of the author’s last name.

10. What do call numbers look like?
Non-fiction books:
MIL
DAR
HEM
BRE
MAR
Dewey call number
First three letters of author’s last name

11. Other Call Numbers FIC MAR
Fiction books:
FIC
MAR
Type of book
First three letters of the author’s last name
Biography: B
TIL
Type of book
First three letters of the author’s last name

12. Other Call Numbers Type of book R 520.23 BLA Dewey call number
Reference:
Type of book R
520.23
BLA
Dewey call number
First three letters of the author’s last name

13. OPAC OPAC.lyndhurstschools.net OPAC is the library’s card catalog.
Now log on to your computer
In the URL address, type:
OPAC.lyndhurstschools.net

14. Discovering what’s in our library
Look to right and greet your partner.
Use your activity sheet to find the items in your “bag.”
Make a list of your finds.
Answer the questions on your worksheets.
Let’s meet back here in 30 minutes.