1. The Dewey Decimal Classification System
How the Library is Organized

2. Melvil Dewey
Melvil Dewey devised a system of organizing books which is used in many libraries. He divided books up into 10 main subjects, and then assigned these subjects a number. That way all the books on a topic would be together on the shelf.

3. If books weren’t shelved this way, libraries would be in total chaos!
THINK ABOUT IT!
If books weren’t shelved this way, libraries would be in total chaos!

4. What is a Call Number?
Every book in the library is given a unique call number that is an address for locating the book on the shelf.
The call number is located on the spine of a book.
The call number is made up of two parts: the Dewey Decimal classification number and the first three letters of the author’s last name.

5. The Key to Library Call Numbers
TYPE OF BOOK
HOW IT IS SHELVED E
EVERYBODY = PICTURE BOOKS
ALPHABETICALLY BY AUTHOR NAME
FIC
FICTION = CHAPTER
NONFICTION
DEWEY DECIMAL NUMBER, THEN AUTHOR NAME
92 OR 921 OR B
BIOGRAPHY
DEWEY DECIMAL NUMBER, THEN SUBJECT’S NAME
REF
REFERENCE
DEWEY DECIMAL NUMBER, THEN AUTHOR’S NAME

6. The Difference Between Fiction and Nonfiction
Books that are stories made up by the author. They are not true, but might be based on true events.
Nonfiction
Books that are about real things, people, events and places. They are true, except for fairy and folk tales in 398 and literature in the 800s.

7. Fiction and Nonfiction Call Numbers
Fiction call numbers begin with E or FIC or F, and then the first three letters of the author’s last name. It’s still a call number even though there are no numbers in it!
Nonfiction call numbers begin with a Dewey number, and then the first three letters of the author’s last name.
599
GIB E
SEU
FIC
PAU

8. + Just Remember……. FICTION CALL NUMBERS HAVE ONLY LETTERS!
NONFICTION CALL NUMBERS HAVE NUMBERS AND LETTERS! +

9. The Dewey System Has 10 Main Classes for Organizing Nonfiction Books.
Kinds of Books
General Works
Encyclopedias, almanacs, record books
Philosophy and Psychology
Paranormal phenomena, ethics, how we think
Religion
Bible, mythology, religions
Social Science
Government, holidays, fairy tales, education, community
Language
English and foreign languages, sign language, dictionaries
Natural Science
Math, chemistry, biology, weather, plants, animals
Applied Science
Inventions, transportation, cooking, pets
Fine Arts and Recreation
Crafts, painting, music, games, sports
Literature
Poetry, plays
History and Geography
Countries, flags, biographies about famous people

10. Each of the 10 Main Classes can be further divided:
From Broad…
500
Natural Science
590
Animals
599
Mammals
599.8
Primates
…to Specific
599.88
Apes

11. Dewey and Decimals
Think of a Dewey number as if it were dollars and cents! For example:
595.23
Comes Before
595.30
When in doubt, add a 0 (zero) to even out the digits after the decimal.

12. Locating a Book on the Shelf
Remember this rule for how books
are usually shelved!
You start at the left on the top shelf, and move to the right until the shelf ends. Then you go to the next shelf beneath that, and do the same-left to right, top to bottom.

13. What Else Might I Find In My Library???
Magazines
I-Can-Read Books
Beginning Chapter Books
Short Fiction
Series
Music
Books on Tape
Maps and Globes
Computers

14. Exploring Your Library
Try making a map of the library to show the following sections:
Everybody, Fiction, Nonfiction, Biographies and Reference
Mark your favorite section on the map.
Include the circulation desk where you check out and return books.
Write down the name of the Library Technician who checks out your books.

15. Presentation created by:
Julie Favero and Diana Dorney,
Librarians,
Lake Oswego School District
Adapted with permission by:
Garnetta Wilker,
District Librarian,
Oregon Trail School District
September 2004