Have you ever come into a public
library and searched for a book in the nonfiction section? You will see a
number, such as 822.33. This is an example of Dewey Decimal Classification
System - the system used by Somers Library as well as most public and school
libraries. Each book is labeled with a specific call number according to its
subject, so when items are put on the shelves in Dewey Decimal order, all the
books on one subject will be together. A Dewey Decimal number always has three
numbers to the left of the decimal point. There is no limit to how many numbers
can be after the decimal point. The more numbers that are added after the
decimal point, the more specific the subject.
List
of General Dewey Decimal Numbers
- 000 - General works, Computer science and Information
- 100 - Philosophy and psychology
- 200 - Religion
- 300 - Social sciences
- 400 - Language
- 500 - Science
- 600 - Technology
- 700 - Arts & recreation
- 800 - Literature
- 900 - History & geography
If a book is shelved in the wrong
place, it may never be found by patrons looking for it. This is why we
encourage patrons not to just put books anywhere. Give it to the librarian, or
put your books on a cart specifically designated for books to be shelved.
