Transcript Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification

Welcome
to the
RSC –YH
Information Skills Project
Information Skills Modules
•Dewey Decimal Classification
•Searching the Catalogue
•Finding information on the Internet
•References and Citations
- Compiling a Bibliography
Introduction to the
Dewey Decimal Classification
This exercise will help you to
•Navigate your way around the library
•Allow you find information you need for your assignments.
•Carry out research for your subjects
•Locate information in the library after searching
the CATALOGUE
A knowledge of DDC will
•allow you to become a confident user of any Library
•will contribute to success in your studies
Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification:
How do I find my subjects?
Items are arranged in broad subject areas, then
subdivided into smaller areas.
For example:-
Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification:
How do I find my subjects?
Each of these Areas is allocated a number
Like this:
Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification:
Here is an initial breakdown of Dewey
General (Computing, ICT)
Philosophy, Psychology
Religion
Social Science
Languages
Science
Technology (Medicine & Health)
Art
Literature
Humanities (Geography & History)
000 – 009
100 – 199
200 – 299
300 – 399
400 – 499
500 – 599
600 – 699
700 – 799
800 – 899
900 - 999
Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification:
How are the numbers arranged?
These broad subject areas are further broken down or
subdivided. Each narrower or more specialised subject
area has a more specific number.
Biology
570-599
Evolution
570
General
574
Human Biology 574.1
Genetics
575
Plants
580
Zoology
590
Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification:
How are the numbers arranged?
•It is decimal number-based system in which numbers can
subdivide in the same way as subject areas subdivide.
•This enables subjects to have their own specific numbers.
•There are always three digits, from 001 to 999.
•After these there may be decimal point, and all the books
to within the first number after the point are together ,
so:
Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification:
How are the numbers arranged?
301.1
301.18833
301.19225
are all together, before you get to 301.2 on the shelf
They are then arranged by the second digit after the point,
so:
301.18
301.183
301.189909
all come before 301.19
Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification:
How are the numbers arranged?
Now attempt at least one of these exercises
•Dewey classification and science
•Dewey classification and art
•Dewey classification and social sciences
•Dewey classification and history
Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification:
How to find books?
To recap - for example - you are looking for books on
Criminal Law which have a Dewey/ Class number of 345.
Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification:
How to find books?
Remember:
•All non-fiction books are in number order on the shelves,
starting from 001.
•There will be signs displaying the Dewey numbers
(and subjects) at the end of or above the rows of shelving.
•Use this signage as a rough guide.
•Once you have located LAW at 340,
you can follow the number sequence until you arrive at 345
Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification:
How to find books?
Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification:
What next?
•This has been a basic introduction to the
Dewey decimal classification.
•You should now be able to locate resources,
now you understand how they are arranged.
•If you are not sure how the Dewey system works
then go back through this module again.
Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification:
What next?
An understanding of Dewey will allow you to browse the
shelves to find books & other resources in your subjects
- BUT - to find out if a particular item is in stock you must
use the LIBRARY CATALOGUE.
•Now try the module 'Introduction to the Catalogue'.
•When you have completed this you will be able to
efficiently and effectively search and find resources .