1. Everything you wanted to know about finding materials in the library!
Understanding Dewey!
Everything you wanted to know about finding materials in the library!

2. Libraries Begin
It was during the 1800’s that libraries were beginning to spring up around the country. The printing press had made more and more books available to the general public, and more and more people were learning to read.

3. A Problem Evolves
Melvil Dewey was a very bright but frustrated librarian. As more and more books were added to his library collection, he found it difficult to locate materials.
Being a resourceful young
man, he decided to create
a standardized numbering
system for classifying
nonfiction books in a library.

4. How Should Dewey Start?
Dewey wanted a system that put subjects into ten basic areas. (That’s because our numbering system is based on “ten”.) He wanted each book to have a specific number on the book spine so that the book would have a specific location on a library shelf.
If he used decimals with his
base ten numbering system,
he figured he could create
detailed numbers for detailed
subjects.

5. And……….
These are the basic ten sections of every library that uses the Dewey Decimal System. And, most libraries for schools and the public use this system.

6. Subjects ?
Dewey chose his ten basic subjects by asking what kind of questions might a person like a caveman ask? Well… not exactly a caveman but
we are going to go with that
theme anyway.
Dewey also wanted to be
able to include subjects that
were yet to be created due
to future technology.
(Smart guy, huh?)

7. What are the subjects associated with these ten areas?
Take a look…..

9. 100’s
Who Am I?
This section provides information about …

10. Philosophy & Psychology
Self-esteem
Ethics
Logic
Astrology

11. 200’s
Where did I come from?
This section provides information about…

12. Religion & Mythology Bible Religious books of all sects
Religious history
Mythology

13. 300’s
What about others?
This section provides information about…

14. Social Sciences Government & laws Economics Social Groups & Problems
Education
Careers
Folklore
Customs
Holidays

15. 400’s How do I communicate with others?
This section provides information about…

16. Language Linguistics Dictionaries All Languages: German French Italian
Spanish,
Latin,
Greek
Sign

17. 500’s What about the world around me?
This section provides information about…

18. Natural Science & Mathematics
Forces of Nature:
Astronomy
Physics
Chemistry
Earth Sciences
Weather
Paleontology
Life Sciences
Plants
Animals

19. 600’s How can I use natural things in the world to improve my life?
This section provides information about…

20. Technology Farming Cooking Medicine Sewing Engineering Pets
Manufacturing
Business
Cooking
Sewing
Pets
Building

21. 700’s How can I enjoy my leisure time?
This section provides information about…

22. Fine Arts & Recreation
Art
Music
Dance
Films
Hobbies
Sports

23. 800’s What are man’s greatest thoughts & deeds? This section provides
information about…

24. Literature
Poetry
Plays
Jokes & Riddles

25. 900’s What has man recorded about his history? This section
provides information about…

26. Geography & History Geography & travel Individual biographies
Group biographies
History of Ancient World
Histories by area

27. 000’s
Where do items that don’t seem to fit in any of the other nine sections get placed?
This is where you would find…

28. Generalities General Encyclopedias Library Science Miscellaneous
(for example: Bigfoot,
UFO’s)

29. What about Subdivisions?
Each of these ten general subject areas can be subdivided indefinitely. The more specific the number, the more specific the subject.
For example:

30. Subdivision Example: 900’s History 970’s History of North America
979’s Rocky Mountain Area
979.2 State of Utah
Got the picture? From large to small, or from general to specific. We could keep going….

31. How Are Dewey Numbers Assigned?
Every library uses the Dewey Decimal Classification Book.
This book has all of the number divisions and subdivision listed.
The librarian uses this book to select the correct Dewey Decimal Number for each title in the library.

32. Find that Book! Look up a title in the library computer.
Write down the Dewey Decimal Number.
Go to the nonfiction section of the library.
Follow along the shelves numerically until you locate the book.
All books on the same subject will be placed together on the shelf.
Thank You, Melvil Dewey!