LBS 850

WEEK 11

Catalog it!

This week we focused on the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) System and read the text "Catalog it!" by Allison G. Kaplan. There are many pros and cons to the DCC system and I have outlined them below.


PROS: 😀


*Many are familiar and comfortable with this system


*It can be found in most libraries/world's most widely used way to organize library collections.


*It breaks down into structured and ordered disciplines, divisions, and sections


*The DDC allows for the close classification (longer numbers for specific subjects) or broad classification (shorter numbers with fewer details).


*Easy transition from the school library to the public library with ease



CONS:😟


*There is a widespread bias towards Protestant/American aspects most seen in both the history and religion disciplines.


*Many books cover more than one subject area, how do you decide where to shelve it?


*The length and complexity of call numbers may discourage some users and makes shelving tedious


*Melvil Dewey was a problematic dude, to say the least. His reputation was one of antisemitism, racism and sexual harassment.


Is it a good idea to “genre-fy” your collection? Has the Dewey Decimal Classification system run its course? Like most things in life, there are advantages and disadvantages that can be found. Do the benefits of Dewey outweigh the disadvantages?

This week's readings:


Adams, Cecil. “What’s So Great About the Dewey Decimal System?” The Straight Dope. January 31, 2006. http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2238/whats-so-great-about-the-dewey-decimal-system


Lynch, Sarah N. and Eugene Mulero. “Dewey? At This Library With a Very Different Outlook, They Don’t.” New York Times, July 14, 2007. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/14/us/14dewey.html


Marrocolla, Elisabeth Gattullo. "The Trouble with Dewey." SLJ, October, 2019 .https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=The-Trouble-with-Dewey-libraries (Links to an external site.)


Whelen, Debra Lau. “Librarians Weigh in on Arizona’s Dewey-Less Library.” School Library Journal, June 6, 2007.http://www.slj.com/2007/06/public-libraries/librarians-weigh-in-on-arizonas-dewey-less-library/