The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)
The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), created by Melvil Dewey in 1876, is the most
widely used library classification system in the world. While Colon Classification (CC) is
like a "Lego set" where you build numbers, DDC is primarily an enumerative system—think
of it as a massive, pre-organized filing cabinet.
The Three Summaries (Hierarchy)
DDC organizes all human knowledge into 10 Main Classes (the First Summary). Each class
is divided into 10 divisions, and each division into 10 sections.
Main Class Subject Area
000 Computer Science, Information & General Works
100 Philosophy & Psychology
200 Religion
300 Social Sciences
400 Language
500 Science
600 Technology (Applied Sciences)
700 Arts & Recreation
800 Literature
900 History & Geography
The Power of the Decimal
DDC uses Arabic numerals and a decimal point to allow for infinite expansion.
The Three-Digit Rule: Every DDC number must have at least three digits (e.g., 500).
The Dot: A decimal point is placed after the third digit (e.g., 595.7).
Hierarchy by Length: As a subject becomes more specific, the number gets longer.
o 500 (Science)
o 590 (Zoology)
o 595 (Invertebrates)
o 595.7 (Insects)
o 595.78 (Moths & Butterflies)
Key Concepts in DDC
Relative Location: Before Dewey, books had a "fixed location" (Shelf 2, Book 5). If
the library got more books, everything had to be re-labeled. Dewey's system allows
books to move as the collection grows because they are numbered relative to each
other.
Discipline-Based: DDC classifies by discipline, not just subject.
o Example: A book on "The Ethics of Marriage" goes in 100
(Philosophy/Ethics), while a book on "The Sociology of Marriage" goes in
300 (Social Sciences).
The Relative Index: This is an alphabetical list of subjects that helps librarians find
where a specific topic fits within the numerical schedules.
In modern editions of the DDC (like the 23rd edition), the system uses Auxiliary Tables to
provide details that aren't available in the main schedules. This is the "synthetic" part of
Dewey—it allows you to build a specific number from a general base.
The 6 Tables of DDC (23rd Edition)
In the current edition, there are six tables. You cannot use a number from these tables alone;
they must always be attached to a "Base Number" from the main schedules.
Table Name Purpose Example
Standard For the "form" of the book (e.g., a dictionary, a -03
T1
Subdivisions journal, or a history of the subject). (Dictionary)
Geographic Areas & To specify a location or that the book is a
T2 -44 (France)
Biography biography.
Subdivisions for Arts Used specifically with the 800s (Literature) to
T3 -1 (Poetry)
& Literature specify forms like poetry or drama.
Subdivisions of Used with the 400s (Language) to specify
T4 -5 (Grammar)
Languages grammar, dictionaries, etc.
Ethnic & National To specify a work about a specific race or -91411
T5
Groups ethnic group. (Bengali)
To specify the language a book is written in
T6 Languages (different from T4 which is for the study of -21 (English)
language).
How "Add to" Instructions Work
In the DDC manuals, you will often see an instruction that says: "Add to base number..."
This is the command to build a custom number.
Example: Classifying "A Dictionary of Science"
1. Find the Base Number: Look up Science in the schedules. The base number is 500.
2. Find the Instruction: The schedule says you can add Standard Subdivisions from
Table 1.
3. Locate the Table Notation: In Table 1, the notation for a Dictionary is -03.
4. Synthesize: Add them together.
o Result: 500 + 03 = 503.
Example: Classifying "History of Education in Japan"
1. Base Number: Education is 370.
2. Instruction: Add -09 (History) from Table 1, then follow instructions to add from
Table 2 (Areas).
3. Table 2 Notation: Japan is -52.
4. Synthesize: 370 + 09 + 52 = 370.952.
Advantages and Disadvantages of DDC
Advantages
Universal Recognition: It is used in over 135 countries. A user who understands
Dewey in India can find books in a Dewey-organized library in Canada.
Mnemonic Quality: Certain numbers always mean the same thing. For example, "9"
often relates to history and "44" always relates to France, making it easy for librarians
to memorize common codes.
Relative Index: DDC comes with a world-class index that lists subjects
alphabetically and points you to the exact discipline number.
Infinite Expansion: Because it is a decimal system, you can always add a new digit
to the right of the decimal point to make a subject more specific without moving other
books.
Disadvantages
Western/Christian Bias: Created in the 19th-century US, the system gives massive
space to Christianity (200–289) while cramming all other world religions into a tiny
section (290–299).
Rigid Main Classes: Having only 10 main classes is restrictive. This leads to very
long, "unwieldy" numbers for specific modern topics (e.g., 621.384136).
Split Subjects: Related subjects are often far apart. For example, Language (400) is
separated from Literature (800) by 300 classes, even though they are closely related.
Frequent Updates: Because it is enumerative, it requires constant new editions to
keep up with new technology (like AI or social media), which can be expensive for
libraries to implement.
DDC vs. CC: A Quick Comparison
Feature Dewey Decimal (DDC) Colon Classification (CC)
Type Mostly Enumerative Analytico-Synthetic
Structure Pre-made numbers Building blocks (Facets)
Notation Pure (Numbers only) Mixed (Numbers, Letters, Symbols)
Ease of Use Easier for beginners Steeper learning curve