Cataloging and Classification/Dewey Decimal Classification

The Dewey Decimal Classification system is named after Melvin Dewey, who created it in 1873. This system is widely used in public libraries, but in a few exceptions is also used in academic libraries. thumb|Melvil Dewey 1891 Division fields Dewey Decimal serves to organize library materials by their general knowledge field. Every DDC number contains three digits, similar to a MARC tag, but rather than describing the item itself, the DDC number describes what the item is generally about. The first number of the DDC tag represents its broad general field--is it about religion or geography?--while the second and third numbers represent more specific topics. Number Knowledge field 001-009 General knowledge 100-199 Philosophy and psychology 200-299 Religion 300-399 Social sciences 400-499 Languages 500-599 Science and mathematics 600-699 Technology 700-799 Arts and recreation 800-899 Literature 900-999 History and geography Dewey classification resources The 20th edition of Dewey Decimal Classification (1989) is available online: https://archive.org/details/deweydecimalcla01dewe https://archive.org/details/deweydecimalcla02dewe https://archive.org/details/deweydecimalcla03dewe https://archive.org/details/deweydecimalcla04dewe