Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC). Library and Information Science Notes| UGC NET SET PSC AND LIBRARIAN EXAMS.
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Topic: DEWEY DECIMAL CLASSIFICATION (DDC)
1. Introduction
Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is a general, enumerative classification system for organizing documents by subject. It uses decimal notation to represent hierarchical relationships among subjects.
DDC is the most widely used classification system worldwide, especially in school, public, and small to medium academic libraries.
2. Origin and Historical Background
Inventor: Melvil Dewey
First edition: 1876
Original title:
A Classification and Subject Index for Cataloguing and Arranging the Books and Pamphlets of a Library
Dewey aimed to create a simple, expandable, and universally applicable system.
3. Nature and Type of DDC
- Enumerative classification – subjects are listed in advance
- Universal scheme – covers all branches of knowledge
- Artificial classification – arrangement based on practical convenience
- Decimal system – unlimited subdivision possible
- Mixed scheme – incorporates bibliographical and philosophical elements
4. Publisher and Editorial Control
Original publisher: Forest Press (USA)
Copyright owner & current publisher:
OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) since 1988
OCLC is responsible for:
- Revisions
- Editorial policy
- WebDewey maintenance
- Translations and international adaptations
5. Editions of DDC (with Dates & Editors)
Unabridged (Full) Editions
- Edition Year Editor / Notes
- 1st 1876 Melvil Dewey
- 2nd–12th 1885–1927 Melvil Dewey
- 13th 1932 Expanded edition
- 16th 1958 Modernization
- 18th 1971 Major structural revision
- 19th 1979 Greater standardization
- 20th 1989 Automation-friendly
- 21st 1996 International focus
- 22nd 2003 Interdisciplinary expansion
- 23rd 2011 Last printed full edition
> Important:
DDC 23 (2011) is the latest and final printed unabridged English edition.
6. Abridged Editions
- Designed for small libraries
- Single-volume editions
- Latest abridged edition:
- Abridged DDC 15 (2012) — corresponding to DDC 23
- No newer printed abridged English editions after 2012
7. Web Editions (WebDewey)
WebDewey is the official online version of DDC
First web version introduced in 2000; major update WebDewey 2.0 in 2011
Continuously updated (unlike print editions)
Features:
- Built-in Relative Index
- Automatic number building
- Links with LCSH and MARC
- International and multilingual support
- Current authoritative version of DDC
8. Editors (Recent)
- Melvil Dewey: Editor up to early editions
- Joan S. Mitchell: Editor-in-Chief up to DDC 23 (until 2013)
- Michael Panzer: Editor-in-Chief (from 2013)
- Rebecca Green: Dewey Editorial Program Manager (from 2016)
9. Structure of DDC
DDC consists of three main parts:
(A) Schedules
Provide numbers for subjects
Organized hierarchically:
Main class → Division → Section
(B) Auxiliary Tables (6 Tables only)
Used to synthesize numbers and add detail.
Table 1 – Standard Subdivisions
Form, theory, research, education, history, etc.
Example: –01 (Philosophy), –03 (Dictionaries), –09 (History)
Table 2 – Geographic Areas
Continents, countries, regions
Example: –54 (India), –73 (USA)
Table 3 – Subdivisions for Literature
Literary forms, periods, special topics
Table 4 – Subdivisions of Individual Languages
Grammar, phonology, dictionaries
Table 5 – Racial, Ethnic and National Groups
Table 6 – Languages
> Exam Note:
- Latest DDC uses only 6 auxiliary tables (Tables 1–6).
- Older references mentioning 7 tables relate to earlier editions.
10. Relative Index
- Alphabetical list of subjects, synonyms, and related terms
- Guides user from term → class number
- Called relative because one concept may appear under multiple entries
11. Main Classes of DDC
Class Subject
- 000 Generalities
- 100 Philosophy & Psychology
- 200 Religion
- 300 Social Sciences
- 400 Language
- 500 Natural Sciences
- 600 Technology
- 700 Arts & Recreation
- 800 Literature
- 900 History & Geography
- 12. Notation
Decimal point allows unlimited expansion
Language-independent and internationally readable
13. Principles of DDC
- Principle of Discipline – classify by subject treatment
- Principle of Specificity – use the most specific number
- Principle of Hierarchy – each level includes its subdivisions
- Principle of Literary Warrant – subjects included based on published literature
14. Synthesis in DDC
Limited synthesis compared to faceted schemes
Achieved using:
Schedules
Tables 1–6
Example:
Education (370) + India (–54) = 370.54
15. Major Revisions and Developments
Expansion of:
- Computer science (004–006)
- Information technology
- Interdisciplinary subjects
- Shift from print to WebDewey after 2011
- Greater internationalization and cultural balance
16. Advantages
- Simple and easy to use
- Highly popular and internationally accepted
- Suitable for beginners and small libraries
- Strong index support
- Flexible decimal notation
17. Limitations
- Western and Christian bias
- Artificial subject placement
- Overcrowding in certain classes (300, 600)
- Limited hospitality for emerging interdisciplinary fields
- Less suitable for large research libraries
18. Use of DDC in India
Widely used in:
- School libraries
- Public libraries
- Many college libraries
19. Key Exam Facts (One-Look Revision)
Founder: Melvil Dewey
First edition: 1876
Latest printed edition: DDC 23 (2011)
Latest abridged edition: Abridged 15 (2012)
Publisher: OCLC
Type: Enumerative
Auxiliary tables: 6
Current version: WebDewey.