Dewey Decimal Classification System B y Karen Ward Library Media Specialist Eichold-Mertz Elementary School
Who created the Dewey Decimal Classification System? Melvil Dewey was born on December 10, Melvil Dewey created the number order system for library books when he was 21 years old. Melvil Dewey started the first school for librarians.
Ten Main Classifications in Dewey’s System The world’s knowledge is divided into 10 categories or groups. Each group has a main title and is represented by three numbers.
The Big Ten! Generalities – 000 Philosophy – 100 Religion – 200 Social Science – 300 Language – 400 Science & Math – 500 Technology – 600 The Arts – 700 Literature – 800 Geography & History Brings order to the massive amount of world knowledge
You Can Judge A Book by Its Cover! The Dewey Decimal Classification call number can be found on the spine label. Why? When the book is shelved, the Dewey Decimal Classification call number can be easily seen. 500 Lee 200 Bya 000 Mea
Generalities Encyclopedias News media Rare Books Encyclopedias, References
Philosophy Paranormal phenomena Psychology Logic Man thinks.
Religion Bible History of Christianity Other Religions About God
Social Science Law Education Folklore About man’s neighbors
Language English Spanish Other Languages Man talks with other men.
Natural Science & Math Mathematics Earth sciences Plants Animals Man discovers all that is around him.
Technology – 600 Medicine Agriculture Family living Man makes useful things.
The Arts Drawing Music Recreational & performing arts Man makes beautiful things.
Literature American Literature Old English Literature Literatures of Other Languages Man writes.
Geography & History Geography Biographies Ancient History Man writes about travel, people, and events.
Flashback! What Do You Remember? 1. Who created the Dewey Decimal Classification System? 2. What does the DDCS do for our library? 3. How many main classifications are there? 4. Where do you find the DDCS number on a library book?
Let’s try matching the DDCS number to its topic group… Religion American Literature Medicine Animals Geography Other languages Folklore
How did you do? Religion American Literature Medicine Animals Geography Other languages Folklore
Resources Used… Clipart retrieved on February 17, 2007 from the Microsoft Clipart web site: Information on the Dewey Decimal Classification from: Weisburg, H. & Toor, R. Teacher’s Portfolio of Library Skills Lessons & Activities (1985). The Center for Applied Research in Education, Inc.