1. Dewey Decimal Classification System

2. Melvil Dewey invented the Dewey Decimal Classification System in 1876.
Brilliant!

3. The Dewey Decimal Classification System is often abbreviated as
DDC

4. Classification systems help keep items organized.

5. The Dewey Decimal Classification System was invented to help keep books on a library shelf organized!

6. Classification definition:
Putting items with similar qualities in a group. In the DDC system, a group of similar items is called a class.

7. How the Dewey Decimal Classification System Works:
Dewey came up with 10 Main Classes for organizing books. He assigned a number and a subject for each of the 10 main classes.

8. 10 Main Classes of the Dewey Decimal Classification System
Class Number Class Subject
000 – Generalities : Encyclopedias, Computers, Libraries,
100 – Psychology/Philosophy: Ghosts, Dreams, Supernatural, Feelings
200 – Religion: Bible Stories, Mythology, World Religions
300 – Social Science: Money, Transportation, Government, Folklore
400 – Language: Grammar, Dictionaries, Thesauri, Foreign Languages
500 – Natural Science/Mathematics: Weather, Animals, Electricity
600 – Applied Science/Technology: Machines, Pet Care, Medicine,
700 – Arts and Recreation: Drawing, Crafts, Music, Sports
800 – Literature: Plays, Poetry, Short Stories
900 – History/Geography: Explorers, Countries, Ancient Cultures

9. Each class is divided into 10 subclasses
Each class is divided into 10 subclasses – 599 Natural Sciences and Mathematics
Subclass Number Subclass Subject
Pure Sciences Mathematics Astronomy Physics Chemistry Earth sciences & geology Fossils & prehistoric life Life sciences; biology Plants (Botany) Body Systems Animals/Insects

10. Each subclass is divided into 10 sections.
Animals & Insects
Section Number Section Subject
Body Systems of Animals and Insects
Zoology
Invertebrates, Worms
Sea Invertebrates, Coral
Mollusks, Octopus, Squid, Snail
Insects, Spiders
Vertebrates
Fish, Amphibians, Frogs, Snakes
Reptiles and Birds
Mammals of the Land and Ocean

11. Using the Dewey Decimal Classification System, all
nonfiction books are classified (grouped) by subject.
Books about similar subjects are placed together on the shelf.
Tigers
Big Cats
African Big Cats

12. The Decimal Point in the Dewey Decimal Classification System
The Decimal Point in the Dewey Decimal Classification System. A decimal point is added after the first three numbers. There is no limit on how many numbers can be added after the decimal point. The more numbers that are added after the decimal, the more specific the subject = ???

13. The Dewey Decimal number is printed on a label and placed
on the spine of the book. That’s why
It’s called a spine label!
Spine Labels:
1) Contain the DDC number. 2) Contain the first three letters of the author’s last name . 3) Guide the librarian to place the book in the correct order
on a shelf. S
Sea Horse By
Sam Smith
597.53
SMI

14. Library books are shelved in Dewey Decimal Number order.
How nice to have all the fish books together on the shelf!
597.5
JEN
597.51
KIN
597.52
MOR
597.53
SMI

15. Library books are shelved in Dewey Decimal Number order
Library books are shelved in Dewey Decimal Number order. Discuss with your partner: Looking at the spine labels of the books below, which book is not in the correct order?
597.3
JEN
597.36
KIN
597.24
MOR
597.53
SMI

16. Bonus: Discuss with your partner- Look at these aisles in this grocery store. Describe how these products are classified.

17. So remember...
…Dewey Decimal Classification Library Books Have Class!