In the field of Library and Information Science, classification plays a crucial role in organizing and retrieving information. Two of the most prominent classification systems used worldwide are the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC). While both systems share a decimal foundation, they differ significantly in structure, complexity, and application. This post presents a detailed comparison between DDC and UDC for LIS students, researchers, and professionals.
🔍 Overview of DDC and UDC
- DDC (Dewey Decimal Classification) was developed by Melvil Dewey in 1876. It is widely used in public and school libraries due to its simplicity and ease of use.
- UDC (Universal Decimal Classification) was developed by Paul Otlet and Henri La Fontaine in 1895. It is an advanced system suitable for research and academic libraries, offering high flexibility and multilingual support.
📊 Comparison Table: DDC vs UDC
| Feature | DDC | UDC |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Melvil Dewey (USA), 1876 | Paul Otlet & Henri La Fontaine (Belgium), 1895 |
| Base System | Pure decimal (000–999) | Based on DDC + symbols and faceting |
| Structure | Hierarchical | Faceted and hierarchical |
| Notation | Numeric (e.g., 510.5) | Numeric with symbols (e.g., 621.3:004.738) |
| Subject Combination | Limited | Highly flexible with symbols like :, +, / |
| Usage | Public and school libraries | Academic, research, and national libraries |
| Language Support | Primarily English | Multilingual |
| Complexity | User-friendly | Complex – requires training |
📌 Example Notations
- DDC: 500 – Natural Sciences, 510 – Mathematics
- UDC: 621.3:004.738 – Electrical engineering related to internet protocols
✅ Conclusion
While DDC remains the preferred choice for general libraries due to its simplicity, UDC stands out in academic and international environments for its expressive depth and flexibility. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each system is essential for LIS professionals and students.
If you’re preparing for library science exams or building classification skills, knowing how DDC and UDC work—and when to use them—is critical to your success in cataloguing and resource organization.
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