The Dewey Decimal System How it works for you

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.

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.

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.

The Ten Dewey Decimal Categories Generalities 000 Philosophy 100 Religion 200 Social Science 300 Language 400 Science & Math 500 Technology 600 Arts & Recreation 700 Literature 800 Geography & 900 History

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

Topics become more specific to the right of the decimal point 600 Technology 620 Engineering 623 Military & Nautical Engineering 623.7 Communications, vehicles, sanitation, related topics 623.74 Vehicles 623.747 Motor land vehicles 623.7475 Motor land vehicles for combat 623.74752 Tanks

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

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.

What do call numbers look like? Non-fiction books: 200.67 MIL 789.245 DAR 426.01 HEM 192.316 BRE 200.67 MAR Dewey call number First three letters of author’s last name

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

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

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

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.