The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is a widely used system for organizing library materials by subject. Developed by Melvil Dewey in 1876, it's designed to make it easy for users to locate and return books in libraries.
๐ Overview of DDC
- Purpose: To assign a numerical code to every book based on its subject.
- Structure: Divides knowledge into 10 main classes, each subdivided into 10 divisions, and each division into 10 sections (decimal-based).
- Notation: Uses numbers (000–999) with optional decimal points for specificity.
๐ Main Classes of DDC
| Class No. | Subject Area |
|---|---|
| 000 | General Knowledge, Computer Science |
| 100 | Philosophy & Psychology |
| 200 | Religion |
| 300 | Social Sciences |
| 400 | Language |
| 500 | Natural Sciences & Mathematics |
| 600 | Technology (Applied Sciences) |
| 700 | Arts & Recreation |
| 800 | Literature |
| 900 | History & Geography |
๐ Example Breakdown: Class 500 – Natural Sciences
| Number | Subject |
|---|---|
| 500 | General Science |
| 510 | Mathematics |
| 520 | Astronomy |
| 530 | Physics |
| 540 | Chemistry |
| 550 | Earth Sciences & Geology |
| 560 | Paleontology |
| 570 | Life Sciences (Biology) |
| 580 | Plants (Botany) |
| 590 | Animals (Zoology) |
✅ Key Features of DDC
- Hierarchical: More digits = more specific subject
- Universal: Used worldwide in public and school libraries
- Expandable: Allows adding more specific subtopics using decimal notation
๐ง Fun Fact
Melvil Dewey created the DDC when he was just 21 years old, and it's still in use more than 140 years later — a testament to its flexibility and brilliance.
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