Melvil Dewey created the Dewey Decimal Classification system in the late 1800s to help librarians and patrons easily locate nonfiction books in growing library collections. He developed a system that organized all knowledge into 10 main categories, which were further divided decimally to increase specificity. Each book was assigned a unique Dewey Decimal number corresponding to its subject matter, which determined its physical location on library shelves. Dewey's innovative system became the standard method for organizing library collections and remains widely used today.

1. UUnnddeerrssttaannddiinngg
DDeewweeyy!!
Everything you
wanted to know
about finding
materials in the
library media
center!

2. Libraries Begin
It was during the 1800’s that libraries were
beginning to spring up around the country. The
printing press had made more and more books
available to the general public, and more and
more people were learning to read.

3. A Problem Evolves
Melvil Dewey was a very bright but
frustrated librarian. As more and more
books were added to his library collection,
he found it difficult to locate materials.
Being a resourceful young man, he decided
to create a standardized numbering system
for classifying nonfiction books in a
library.

4. How Should Dewey Start?
Dewey wanted a system that put subjects into ten
basic areas. (That’s because our numbering
system is based on “ten”.) He wanted each book
to have a specific number on the book spine so
that the book would have a specific location on a
library shelf.
If he used decimals with his base ten numbering
system, he figured he could create detailed
numbers for detailed subjects.

5. Dewey Classification
100’s 200’s 300’s
400’s 500’s 600’s
700’s 800’s 900’s

6. And……….
 000’s
 These are the basic ten sections of every
library that uses the Dewey Decimal
System. And, most libraries for schools
and the public use this system.

7. Subjects ?
Dewey chose his ten basic subject areas by
pretending to be a caveman. What kind of
questions would the “first man” ask?
Dewey also wanted to be able to include
subjects that were yet to be created due to
future technology. (Smart guy, huh?)

8. WWhhaatt aarree tthhee ssuubbjjeeccttss
aassssoocciiaatteedd wwiitthh tthheessee
tteenn aarreeaass??
Take a look…..

9. 100’s
 Who Am I?
This section provides information about …

10. Philosophy & Psychology
 Self-esteem
 Ethics
 Logic
 Astrology

11. 200’s
 Where did I come from?
 This section provides information about…

12. Religion & Mythology
• Bible
• Religious books of all sects
• Religious history
• Mythology

13. 300’s
 What about others?
 This section provides information about…

14. Social Sciences
 Government & laws
 Economics
 Social Groups & Problems
 Education
 Careers
 Folklore
 Customs
 Holidays

15. 400’s
 How do I communicate with others?
 This section provides information about…

16. Language
 Linguistics
 Dictionaries
 All Languages:
– German
– French
– Italian
– Spanish,
– Latin,
– Greek
– Sign

17. 500’s
 What about the
world around me?
 This section provides information about…

18. Natural Science & Mathematics
 Mathematics
 Forces of Nature:
– Astronomy
– Physics
– Chemistry
 Earth Sciences
 Weather
 Paleontology
 Life Sciences
 Plants
 Animals

19. 600’s
 How can I use natural
things in the world to
improve my life?
 This section provides information about…

20. Technology
 Farming
 Medicine
 Engineering
 Manufacturing
 Business
 Cooking
 Sewing
 Pets
 Building

21. 700’s
 How can I enjoy
my leisure time?
 This section provides information about…

22. Fine Arts & Recreation
 Art
 Music
 Dance
 Films
 Hobbies
 Sports

23. 800’s
 What are man’s greatest thoughts & deeds?
 This section provides
information about…

24. Literature
 Poetry
 Plays
 Jokes & Riddles

25. 900’s
 What has man recorded about his history?
 This section
provides information about…

26. Geography & History
 Geography & travel
 Individual biographies
 Group biographies
 History of Ancient World
 Histories by area

27. 000’s
 Where do items that don’t seem to fit in
any of the other nine sections get placed?
 This is where you would find…

28. Generalities
 General Encyclopedias
 Library Science
 Miscellaneous (for example: Bigfoot,
UFO’s) They are not really fiction or nonfiction.

29. What about Subdivisions?
 Each of these ten general subject areas can
be subdivided indefinitely. The more
specific the number, the more specific the
subject.
 For example:

30. Subdivision Example:
 900’s History
 970’s History of North America
 979’s Rocky Mountain Area
 979.2 State of Utah
Got the picture? From large to small, or
from general to specific. We could keep
going….

31. How Are Dewey Numbers
Assigned?
 Every library uses the Dewey Decimal
Classification Book.
 This book has all of the number divisions
and subdivision listed.
 The librarian uses this book to select the
correct Dewey Decimal Number for each
title in the library.

32. Find that Book!
 Look up a title in the library computer.
 Write down the Dewey Decimal Number.
 Go to the nonfiction section of the library.
 Follow along the shelves numerically until
you locate the book.
 All books on the same subject will be
placed together on the shelf.
 Thank You, Melvil Dewey!