Did you know that many libraries around the world use the same system to organize their books? It’s called the Dewey Decimal System and it was created back in the 1870s by Melvil Dewey. Each year we celebrate Dewey Decimal System day on his birthday.
Melvil Dewey was born on December 10th, 1851. During his impressive career in librarianship, he accomplished many things. Most notably he invented an organization system for library books that is still used today around the world.
The Dewey Decimal System is used by the Alachua County Library District to organize our nonfiction collections. Each book receives a book spine label that contains a series of numbers and letters called a “call number.” This call number essentially describes the exact place that a book is shelved between other books.
Not only does this help keep our books on the shelves organized by topic and easy to browse, but it also allows patrons and staff to know exactly where to find a book once they have the call number. A book’s call number can be found by searching the library catalog and selecting “Where is it?”
The 10 main Dewey Decimal categories are as follows:
- 000 Computer Science, Information, and General Works
- 100 Philosophy and Psychology
- 200 Religion
- 300 Social Sciences
- 400 Language
- 500 Science
- 600 Technology
- 700 Arts & Recreation
- 800 Literature
- 900 History and Geography
There are smaller groups within each of these that help to further organize books by subject. For instance, the 500s contain texts on science, but the 510s are specifically mathematics and the 520s are astronomy. The Dewey Decimal System is constantly updated to make new categories as necessary. Today, we are on the 23rd edition of the Dewey Decimal System.
Check out some books from the library’s collection about Melvil Dewey or the Dewey Decimal System:
Melvil Dewey: Library Genius by Jill Sherman
This title examines the remarkable life of Melvil Dewey and the invention of the Dewey Decimal System. Readers will learn about Dewey's background and education, as well as his innovations and work in libraries. Color photos, detailed maps, and informative sidebars accompany easy-to-read, compelling text. Features include a timeline, facts, additional resources, web sites, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. Publishing Pioneers is a series in Essential Library, an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company. Reviewed This unique series brings readers into the fascinating lives of those whose extraordinary efforts have shaped and created today's world of publishing. Readers will learn about the vision, talent, and drive of these incredible entrepreneurs. Each book highlights family and educational background, contributions to publishing, and lasting legacy. Beautiful design, captivating photos, and informative sidebars complement easy-to-read, engaging text. Readers are left with a deeper, more meaningful understanding of media and the publishing world. Publishing Pioneers is a series in Essential Library, an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.
Do You Know Dewey?: Exploring the Dewey Decimal System by Brian P. Cleary
Are you ready for a library adventure? Join a group of children as they explore the Dewey decimal system! Search for ghosts in the 100s section, track down everything from costumes to cars in the 300s, and be on the lookout for sports and music in the 700s. By the end of the book, you'll be more than ready to dive into Dewey on your own!
How to Find a Book by Amanda Stjohn
Come with Opal Owl and Stew Rabbit as they learn how books are organized by fiction and nonfiction, how to use call numbers and the Dewey Decimal System, and how to search using a library catalog. Author/Illustrator biography Educational front/back matter Glossary of key words Index Informative sidebars Phonetics Sources for further research Suggested websites Stewart Rabbit and Opal Owl love their local library. Follow Stewart and Opal's adventures as they learn all about libraries. Read along as they tour the library, use the catalog to find books, check out books, use e-Books, and find information online. Additional features to aid comprehension include a phonetic glossary, a list of tips to remember, critical-thinking questions, sources for further research, and an introduction to both the author and illustrator.