Learn Dewey Decimal Classification (Edition 21)

Citation

Satija, M.P. (1999), "Learn Dewey Decimal Classification (Edition 21)", Asian Libraries, Vol. 8 No. 11, pp. 444-445. https://doi.org/10.1108/al.1999.8.11.444.9

Written to cover the relevant curriculum of the Australian competency‐based Diploma in Library Studies, this book is a concise but complete manual for operating the DDC and number building with this system. It is aimed at professionals, paraprofessionals and students.

It is a well‐designed and carefully structured book. Besides a brief introduction explaining the scope of the book and its learning outcomes, it has 14 core chapters. Beginning with the need, purpose and features of a classification system in general, it focuses on the DDC to explain its brief history, format of the print edition of DDC 21 and its components, such as the schedule entries, notation (including its segmentation and filing order) and the relative index. The second chapter enumerates the enduring advantages and chronic disadvantages of Dewey. The next chapter lists the important principles for classifying with DDC. Most of them are equally valid for using any classification system. Each precept is supported by an example or explanation.

The rest of the chapters are on the structure and components of the DDC and on procedures to locate a class number. The next five chapters (7‐11) dwell on the use of seven tables: one chapter each devoted to Tables I‐III, while Tables IV and VI, V and VII have been aptly clubbed together and given a chapter each. The next chapter explains the number building through “add to…” instructions ‐ i.e. adding a part/or whole number from anywhere in the schedules. As a special feature not available in other such manuals, a small but very useful chapter is on the Dewey for Windows, explaining how to operate Dewey on CD‐ROM and its additional features. The last chapter is a sort of drill, with additional exercises for more practice of every type of problem. At the end are answers to the exercises, a glossary of terms, which tends to extend to classification in general, a brief bibliography of seven items and a brief subject index.

This book, with an easy‐to‐follow text, is clear and well designed. Each chapter is divided into small sections with bold feature headings. Typography and page layout are convenient. Within chapters there are well‐conceived exercises to test the understanding of learners. It provides an easy and friendly approach to the learning of the DDC without assuming any prior knowledge on part of its users. Because DDC is used internationally, this workbook will be useful in any library/library school anywhere in the world. It is a welcome addition to the practical manuals on the DDC 21.