Dewey Decimal System Chart

Geraldine Postaz

2 min read

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16-07-2025

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The Dewey Decimal System (DDC) is a widely used library classification system that organizes library materials by subject. Developed by Melvil Dewey in 1876, it's a hierarchical system assigning a unique number to every topic, allowing for a logical and consistent arrangement of books and other resources on shelves. Understanding the DDC chart is key to navigating libraries and effectively finding information.

Understanding the Main Categories

The DDC uses ten main classes, each represented by a single digit:

• 000 Computer science, information, and general works: This encompasses general encyclopedias, library science, and information technology.
• 100 Philosophy and psychology: Covers metaphysics, epistemology, logic, and various schools of psychological thought.
• 200 Religion: Includes Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and other religions, as well as comparative religion and religious history.
• 300 Social sciences: This broad category encompasses sociology, economics, political science, law, education, and more.
• 400 Language: Deals with linguistics, dictionaries, grammar, and the study of individual languages.
• 500 Pure science: Includes mathematics, physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, and biology.
• 600 Technology: This category covers applied sciences, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and technology in general.
• 700 The arts: Encompasses visual arts, performing arts, recreational arts, and related topics.
• 800 Literature: Covers literature in various languages, literary criticism, and poetry.
• 900 Geography and history: Includes geography, world history, and the history of specific regions and countries.

How the System Expands

Each main class is further subdivided into ten divisions (using a second digit), then into sections (using a third digit), and so on. This allows for increasingly specific classifications. For example, within the 500s (Pure Science), 530s might be Physics, and 530.1 might be Theoretical Physics. This detailed breakdown enables precise location of specific materials within a library.

Using the Dewey Decimal System

The DDC isn't just about shelving books. It's a tool for:

• Finding information: Knowing the DDC number allows you to locate specific materials within a library.
• Organizing information: Libraries use the DDC to arrange their collections logically, making it easier for patrons to find relevant resources.
• Research: Understanding the DDC can aid in research by providing a framework for exploring related subjects.

Limitations of the DDC

While highly effective, the DDC has limitations:

• Subject Evolution: The system needs periodic revisions to accommodate new fields of study and evolving terminology.
• Overlapping Subjects: Some subjects may naturally overlap across several categories, making classification challenging.
• Cultural Bias: The system, like many classification systems, can reflect historical biases and may not always adequately represent diverse perspectives.

Despite its limitations, the Dewey Decimal System remains a vital tool for organizing and accessing information in libraries worldwide, offering a consistent and logical framework for managing vast collections of materials.