Library WebQuest for Grades 4-5

Introduction Due to the installation of new carpeting in the library this summer, it was necessary to temporarily remove the shelving in the library. Library books were taken from the shelves and stored on carts. Unfortunately, during summer cleaning, 30 books were knocked off of one of the carts and are no longer in order according to the Dewey Decimal Classification System.

Task The Task Your task consists of four steps: 1.Assignment of a partner 2.Print questionnaire. 3.Answer questions about Melvil Dewey and the Dewey Classification System. 4.Write a brief paragraph telling why such a classification system is necessary in libraries. 5.Put the 30 library books back in order.

Resources You will click on each given question to locate the Internet Links you’ll need to answer the questions.

Process After being assigned a partner, research the following questions about Melvil Dewey and his system of classification by clicking on each question. Record your answers on a blank sheet of paper. A. Who was Melvil Dewey?Who was Melvil Dewey? B. What are Melvil Dewey’s 10 classification divisions?What are Melvil Dewey’s 10 classification divisions? C. What are the two major book classifications?What are the two major book classifications? D. What is a call number?What is a call number? E. How does a call number reflect how specific the subject matter of the book is?How does a call number reflect how specific the subject matter of the book is? F. In your own words, tell briefly why a library system of classifying books by subject is important. G. Click here to print this “Worksheet.” Assign each book title a call number appropriate for the subject of the book using this Link.“Worksheet.” Link

Process

Evaluation Describe to the learners how their performance will be evaluated. You can link to a separate rubric document from here, or you could briefly summarize your criteria on this page. Also specify whether there will be a common grade for group work vs. individual grades. Make sure the evaluation of your students evaluates the accomplishment of the objectives listed in the lesson.

Conclusion By completing this activity, you will have learned who Melvil Dewey was and why a system of classification is necessary in libraries. Other links that may be of interest on this subject are:

Missouri Show-Me Standards Addressed In this Web Quest 1.Communication Arts - Participating in formal and informal presentations and discussions of issues and ideas 2.Communication Arts – Writing formally and informally Goals covered are: Goal 1:2 – Conduct research to answer questions and evaluate information and ideas Goal 1:4 – Use technological tools and other resources to locate, select and organize information Goal 1:8 – Organize Data, information and ideas into useful forms for analysis or presentation Goal 2:1 – Plan and make written, oral and visual presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences