Dewey Decimal Classification System

By Karen Ward

Library Media Specialist

Eichold-Mertz Elementary School

Who created the Dewey Decimal Classification System?

Melvil Dewey was born on December 10, 1851. 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 - 900

Brings order to the massive amount of world knowledge

You Can Judge A Book byIts 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.

500Lee

200Bya

000Mea

Generalities - 000

EncyclopediasNews mediaRare Books

Encyclopedias, References

Philosophy - 100

Paranormal phenomenaPsychologyLogic

Man thinks.

Religion - 200

BibleHistory of ChristianityOther Religions

About God

Social Science - 300

LawEducationFolklore

About man’s neighbors

Language - 400

EnglishSpanishOther Languages

Man talks with other men.

Natural Science & Math - 500

MathematicsEarth sciencesPlantsAnimals

Man discovers all that is around him.

Technology – 600

MedicineAgricultureFamily living

Man makes useful things.

The Arts - 700

Drawing MusicRecreational & performing

arts

Man makes beautiful things.

Literature - 800

American LiteratureOld English LiteratureLiteratures of Other Languages

Man writes.

Geography & History - 900

GeographyBiographiesAncient 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…

900 500 200 800 600 300 400

Religion American Literature Medicine Animals Geography Other languages Folklore

How did you do?

900 500 200 800 600 300 400

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.

http://office.microsoft.com/clipart/default.aspx?lc=en-us&cag=1