Welcome to the RSC –YH Information Skills Project

Dewey Decimal Classification Information Skills Modules Searching the Catalogue Finding information on the Internet References and Citations - Compiling a Bibliography

Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification allow you to become a confident user of any Library will contribute to success in your studies This exercise will help you to Navigate your way around the library Allow you find information you need for your assignments. Carry out research for your subjects Locate information in the library after searching the CATALOGUE A knowledge of DDC will

How do I find my subjects? Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: Items are arranged in broad subject areas, then subdivided into smaller areas. For example :-

How do I find my subjects? Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: Each of these Areas is allocated a number Like this:

Here is an initial breakdown of Dewey Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: General (Computing, ICT) Philosophy, Psychology Religion Social Science Languages Science Technology (Medicine & Health) Art Literature Humanities (Geography & History) 000 – – – – – – – – –

How are the numbers arranged? Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: These broad subject areas are further broken down or subdivided. Each narrower or more specialised subject area has a more specific number. Biology Evolution General Human Biology Genetics Plants Zoology

How are the numbers arranged? Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: It is decimal number-based system in which numbers can subdivide in the same way as subject areas subdivide. This enables subjects to have their own specific numbers. There are always three digits, from 001 to 999. After these there may be decimal point, and all the books to within the first number after the point are together, so:

How are the numbers arranged? Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: They are then arranged by the second digit after the point, so: are all together, before you get to on the shelf all come before

How are the numbers arranged? Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: Now attempt at least one of these exercises Dewey classification and science Dewey classification and art Dewey classification and social sciences Dewey classification and history

How to find books? Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: To recap - for example - you are looking for books on Criminal Law which have a Dewey/ Class number of 345.

How to find books? Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: Remember: All non-fiction books are in number order on the shelves, starting from 001. There will be signs displaying the Dewey numbers (and subjects) at the end of or above the rows of shelving. Use this signage as a rough guide. Once you have located LAW at 340, you can follow the number sequence until you arrive at 345

How to find books? Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification:

What next? Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: This has been a basic introduction to the Dewey decimal classification. You should now be able to locate resources, now you understand how they are arranged. If you are not sure how the Dewey system works then go back through this module again.

What next? Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: Now try the module 'Introduction to the Catalogue'. When you have completed this you will be able to efficiently and effectively search and find resources. An understanding of Dewey will allow you to browse the shelves to find books & other resources in your subjects - BUT - to find out if a particular item is in stock you must use the LIBRARY CATALOGUE.