Classification+Standard


 * Classification Standard**


 * A. Policy:** Materials in the library media center will be classified using, DDC and the proper assigned Prefixes and Cutters.


 * B. Procedures:**

1. First and foremost, check the OPAC for other materials about the same topic to see how I have classified them. (This helps you to shelve materials about the same topic together and eliminates the need to build a number (for non-fiction) or determine the collection codes each time you catalog something. This also facilitates consistency.) If I have nothing on the topic…

2. Check the CIP in the item, if there is one. (Refer to the CIP key in Doc Sharing for location of the DDC recommendation.)

3. Check my Sears Heading Index under the main subject to check for the recommendation for a DDC number. (Isn’t that a slick feature of the Sears manual???)

4. For imported records, check the 082 field for the LOC recommendation for a Dewey number, if available. Obviously, stop at the first step of these four that supplies you with a satisfactory DDC number.

5. Verify the DDC number in the Abridged 14 for accuracy and currency (especially for works that were published before the newest edition of the DDC). If you do not find a DDC number in any of those places, resort to building a number with the Abridged DDC. After assigning a DDC number complete the call number as stated below.

6. Assign a Prefix and Cutter to complete the call number according to policy (Use my collection codes sheet and use ALL CAPS for any letters)

Here is an example of a new reference set about our planetary system entitled The Encyclopedia of Planets:

REF 523.2 ENC REF = Prefix for reference collection 523.2 = DDC for planetary systems ENC = The cutter is the first three letters of the title main entry

(Always use the first three letters of the main entry [author or title]for the cutter, except for individual biographies, for which I use the first three letters of the subject’s last name. Noticed that I did not use "THE" as the cutter as we do not use leading articles for indexing, right?)

7. The complete local call number is written on the title page verso, entered into the 852 field (holdings record) of the MARC record, and displayed on a spine label on the item (1/2" from the bottom) and the book pocket in the back of books. I recommend that if you have a very low budget and can get only one of the two tools, Sears List of Subject Headings or the Abridged DDC, that you purchase Sears because of its cross reference to the DDC system in the subject heading index.


 * C. DDC Summaries**




 * E. Maintenance of System**

If changes are made in the new DDC edition changes must be made to keep the media center's records up to date. When changes become available the library media specialist should identify the appropriate materials to be reclassifided. Changes should be checked and changed at least yearly.


 * Reference Materials**





Dewey Browse - @http://www.deweybrowse.org/ - A huge collection of Web sites arranged by the classes of the Dewey Decimal System by Gail Shea Grainger. Here is one of the most useful sites for leading kids and teachers to excellent educational Web site.

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) @http://www.oclc.org/dewey/

//Dewey to the Rescue//

WebDewey Products


 * Creation/Revision Date** 3 May 2010

**Works Cited/Consulted**

Crowley, Mimi. "Getting Out of Isolation." //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">The School Librarian's Workshop // 4 Mar. 2000: n.pag. //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Library Literature //. Wilson Web. 6 Jan. 2006. (An effective lesson of the DDC for elementary students.)

Dewey, Melvil. //Abridged Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index. 14th ed//. Ed. Joan S. Mitchell, et al. Dublin, OH: OCLC, 2004.

"Doing Dewey at the High School." //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">School Librarian's Workshop // 15 May 2000: n.pag. //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Library Literature //. Wilson Web. 6 Jan. 2006. (Library orientation in High School using the DDC.)

Hogsett, Nancy. "Teaching Dewey." //Library Media Connection// Jan. 2006: 28-31.

Intner, Sheila S., and Jean Weihs. "Classification Systems." //Standard Cataloging for School and Public Libraries//. 4th ed. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2007. (pp. 151-164). Print.

Intner, Sheila S., and Jean Weihs. "The Dewey Decimal Classification." //Standard Cataloging for School and Public Libraries. 4th ed.// Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2007. (pp. 165-186). Print.

York, Sherry. "Boolean Burritos." //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Book Report // Sept./Oct.1999: 54. //<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Academic Search Premier //. EBSCOHost. 6 Jan. 2006. (Focuses on the orientation of teachers to online catalogs in school libraries)