How to Understand the Dewey Decimal System

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The Dewey Decimal System is a logical and popular book classification system for libraries and schools.

To complete this How-To you will need:

Library
Understanding of decimals and numbers

Step 1: Defining the system

Understand that the Dewey Decimal System categorizes books according to 10 broad classes, including computers, technology, arts, and literature.

Tip: The Dewey Decimal numbers on the spines of books are "call numbers."The book's Dewey number and the first three letters of the author's last name make up the book's call number.

Step 2: Classify further

Learn the classification within the 10 main categories, which divide books according to subject matter. For instance, the 700 class, Arts, is subdivided into 10 divisions, including Drawing, Painting, and Music.

Step 3: Narrow further

Consider subdivisions within subdivisions. For example, within 750, Painting, you will find Color, Symbolism, Religion, and Human Figures.

Step 4: Get more specific

Divide the subdivisions into sections. The subdivision of class 700, Arts, includes the division 750, Painting, which includes 759, Historical, which comprises such sections as 759.11 (Canadian), 759.13 (American), and 759.2 (British).

Tip: The decimal in the Dewey Decimal System lets books be organized into smaller, more precise categories.

Step 5: Assign rank

Arrange books numerically on shelves within the library, according to the Dewey number.

Step 6: Pinpoint number

Scan shelves of similar numeric groupings to pinpoint a selected book. Dewey numbers range from 001 to 999.

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[cybershockandifrit]

I just wanted a book on penguins

BUT BECAUSE OF YOU IT TOOK HOURS!

[heycall999]

1st!!!!! what is dewey decimal system?

[marlls1989]

That is something way too confusing to make any sense at all. No wonders why the librarians loves the RFID tags installed in our library.

[isaac1kingicy2]

How the hell are we supposed to remember this

[mibby8fingers]

Only problem, she keeps calling it a "liberry" :D

[CaptainShadowKilo]

I'm so glad we have the internet now and this method of research is almost obsolete.

I say "almost" only because some books are not yet available in PDF and are not yet out dated.

[Elhawafreet]

Dewey Decimal Classification is a system to arrange books on Libraries' shelves.

[murloc14]

Its the modern organization technique used by librarians instead of just alphabetical

[pongman]

I hate this MRI advertising after the how to video.

[erik9719]

WTF

[LuckyCharmGangs7a]

I don't care about that, just give me the damn book!