2.5.2: How Libraries Organize Information
- Page ID
- 246457
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Two Systems
There are two main systems that libraries in the United States use to organize materials on the shelves: the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and the Library of Congress Classification (LCC, sometimes also informally called LC or LOC). Both classification systems provide a systematic way for the libraries to keep their materials organized.
Which classification system a library uses depends on local preferences and practices, but in general: academic and research libraries typically use the Library of Congress Classification, while public libraries tend to use the Dewey Decimal Classification.
Both systems assign each book a call number based on the subject of the book. The call number serves as the "address" for where the book belongs on the shelf.
A series of numbers and letters, usually provided on a book's spine label, which designates where the item should be placed on library bookshelves in order to be located with other titles of a similar subject.
While we will introduce you to both library classification systems, please note that your college library probably only uses one of them.
Dewey Decimal Classification System
The Dewey Decimal System is the mostly widely used system in the world, with over 138 countries using it to organize book collections. This sytem first organizes books into ten main classes, which are then divided into divisions and sections. The first three numbers of a Dewey Decimal call number are the class:
- 000 Computer science, information, & general works
- 100 Philosophy & psychology
- 200 Religion
- 300 Social sciences
- 400 Language
- 500 Science
- 600 Technology
- 700 Arts & recreation
- 800 Literature
- 900 History & geography
From there, the 'hundreds' field is broken down into sub-categories, for example:
- 600 Technology
- 630 Agriculture
- 636 Animal husbandry
- 630 Agriculture
The call number includes three letters at the end which refer to the name of the author(s) or editor(s).
Library of Congress Classification System
The Library of Congress system is more complex, with more specific subject areas. This complexity is useful in academic collections focused on research. Each Library of Congress call number includes a series of letters and numbers that classify a book into subject categories, and then subclasses within that subject category.
The first lines of each call number include 1-2 letters and then numbers. Books are first organized on the shelves by broad subject, identified by the letters. These are organized in alphabetical order, from A to Z. After that, books are organized within their subject category based on a whole number.
Sources
Image: “Man, Backpack, Books” by bantersnaps is in the Public Domain, CC0