Remember Dewey? That’s right, the Dewey Decimal Classification System! (from now on we’ll call it the DDC) Yes, you probably did learn about this in 3 rd grade, but guess what… It’s time for a refresher course!
Definition and History of the DDC The DDC was originally invented by a guy named Melville Dewey in (If you’re ever on Who Wants to be a Millionaire and this question comes up, you’ll thank me!) Since then it has been modified and changed quite a bit! Basically, with the exception of general works and fiction, books are classified by subject into 10 MAIN AREAS.
The 000’s, General Knowledge This area includes all of your general knowledge books. (Remember, those aren’t classified by subject.) They include: Almanacs, Encyclopedias, Libraries, Museums, Newspapers, etc. Books from this area include: Exploring the library (027) Guinness World Records, 2005 (032)
The 100’s, Psychology and Philosophy This area includes: Death & Dying, Ethics, Feelings, Logic, Making Friends, Optical Illusions, and Superstitions Books from this area include: The Salem Witch Trials (133.4) Science Fair Success Secrets (182.3)
The 200’s, Religions and Mythology This area includes: Amish, Bible Stories, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Quakers, and other world religions; Greek, Roman and other myths Books from this area include: Noah’s Ark (222) Greek Gods and Goddesses (292.2)
The 300’s, Social Sciences and Folklore Includes Careers, Customs, Environment, Families, Folktales, Government, Manners, Money, Recycling Some books from this section: Divorce (306.8) Our Violent Earth (363.3)
The 400’s, Languages and Grammar Includes: Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Sign Language, Spanish. Includes dictionaries Books include: Sign Language (419) Beginners Spanish Dictionary (460)
The 500’s, Math and Science Includes: Animals, Biology, Chemistry, Dinosaurs, Fish, Geology, Insects, Physics, Planets, Plants Some books from the 500’s include: 100 Award-Winning Science Fair Projects (507) Roman Numerals I to MM (513.5) See the Stars: Your First Guide to the Night Sky (523)
The 600’s, Medicine and Technology Includes: Computers, Cookbooks, Engineering, Farming, Health, Human Body, Inventions, Manufacturing, Nutrition Check out books like: Extreme Machines (629.4) British Food and Drink (641)
The 700’s, Arts and Recreation Includes: Architecture, Crafts, Drawing, Games, Jokes, Music, Puppets, Songbooks, Sports Books from the 700’s: Easy Origami (736) Drawing Sharks, Whales, and Dolphins (743)
The 800’s, Literature Includes: Children's Literature, Plays, Poetry, Shakespeare, Writing Books from here include: Chanticleer and the Fox (821) The Children’s Shakespeare (822.3)
The 900’s, Geography and History Includes: Biographies, Countries, Native Americans, States, Travel, Wars Books from here include: Greetings From Antarctica (919.8) George Washington (921)
Fiction Fiction is in its own section. You can locate books there in alphabetical order by the author’s last name. Now it’s time for a quiz! No, this isn’t for a grade! The first person to raise their hand with the correct answer wins chocolate!
Question # 1 If I wanted to find a book on Beetles where would I look? That’s right! I’d look in the 500’s, Math and Science!
Question # 2 If I wanted a book on the Beatles, where would I look? Bingo! I’d look in the 700’s, Arts and Recreation!
Question # 3 Where would I find information on World War II battles? Perfect! I’d look in the 900’s, Geography and History!
If you’d like to learn more about the DDC: Check out Dewey and the Alien online to learn more.Dewey and the Alien Or you may click here to read Mrs. Ellis’ play writing debut: Dewey Reader's TheatreDewey Reader's Theatre In the library, take a look at these books: Let’s Visit the Library Mr. Wiggle’s Library The Shelf Elf And of course you can always see Mrs. Ellis with any Dewey question!