Dewey Decimal Classification

Potter, E. P., Development of the Chemical Literature Classification in the Dewey Decimal Classification, Abstracts of Papers, 116th Meeting, ACS, September 1949, p. 12F. 

Barker, C.T. (1938). TVA Dewey decimal classification system master. TVA Knoxville. 

The classification in use in most public and many other libraries is known as the Dewey Decimal Classification. In this scheme the whole field of knowledge is taken as unity and subdivided into ten sections each of which is given a decimal notation. The first section is intended for general works which pervade the whole range of knowledge, or the main characteristic of which is their form rather than their content. The other nine sections are subject groupings. The outline arrangement of the scheme is as follows ... 

This was published in Chicago by the American Library Association in 1951 (7th edition) to which several supplements have been added. It is a standard work on reference material with emphasis on American books and on the humanities. Arrangement is roughly by the Dewey Decimal Classification and there are very informative annotations. 

There are two main systems used by libraries to classify books the Dewey Decimal system and the Library of Congress system. Libraries differ in the way they employ these systems, especially by adding further numbers and letters after the standard classification marks to signify, say, shelving position or edition number. Enquire at your library for a full explanation of local usage. 

Only since the end of World War II does there seem to have been a general realization of this disorder. Several classifications of subject matter have been prepared, the most thoroughly detailed system of documentation being that proposed by Mikulaschek to the Office International du Cacao et du Chocolat in 1949 51). Based on the Dewey decimal system, it covers confectionery and other allied products as well. It has not yet been accepted by the industry, which seeks something simpler.. Its classification index numerals frequently run to twelve and fourteen integers. Further study, possibly with the F d ration Internationale de Documentation at the Hague, may improve it. It is at present available in French and German. 

A modification of the Dewey system with extensions of certain classes, which has been internationally adopted and is kept abreast of modern developments, is known as the Universal Decimal Classification. It is more suitable for the arrangement of documents as in an information file than for the placing of books on shelves, and for this reason its use is mainly confined to special libraries. It is uncommon in American libraries. 

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