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{{short description|Library classification system}}
{{Redirect-distinguish|Dewey Decimal|Duodecimal}}
}}.org/content/dam/oclc/dewey/versions/print/intro.pdf▼
{{Redirect|The Dewey Decimal System|the novel by Nathan Larson|The Dewey Decimal System (novel){{!}}''The Dewey Decimal System'' (novel)}}
[[File:HK Wan Chai Library Inside Bookcase a.jpg|thumb|200px|A [[library]] bookshelf in [[Hong Kong]] classified using the [[New Classification Scheme for Chinese Libraries]], an adaptation of the Dewey Classification scheme]]
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2011}}
The '''Dewey Decimal Classification''' ('''DDC'''), colloquially known as the '''Dewey Decimal System''', is a proprietary [[library classification]] system which allows new books to be added to a library in their appropriate location based on subject.<ref group="Note">
{{cite web
|title = Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification
|year = 2019
|publisher = [[Online Computer Library Center|OCLC]]
|access-date = July 28, 2022
|quote = This Introduction explains the basic principles and structure of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system.
|url-status = live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609092439/https://www.oclc.org/content/dam/oclc/dewey/versions/print/intro.pdf |archive-date=Jun 9, 2022
}} Section 4.14 of the article states the DDC is "arranged by discipline, not subject"</ref>
It was first published in the United States by [[Melvil Dewey]] in 1876.<ref>{{citation | last = Dewey | first = Melvil | url = https://www.gutenberg.org/files/12513/12513-h/12513-h.htm | title = Classification and Subject Index for Cataloguing and Arranging the Books and Pamphlets of a Library | format = Project Gutenberg eBook | year = 1876 | access-date = 31 July 2012 | archive-date = November 10, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121110175608/https://www.gutenberg.org/files/12513/12513-h/12513-h.htm | url-status = live }}</ref> Originally described in a 44-page pamphlet, it has been expanded to multiple volumes and revised through 23 major editions, the latest printed in 2011. It is also available in an abridged version suitable for smaller libraries. [[OCLC]], a non-profit cooperative that serves libraries, currently maintains the system and licenses online access to '''WebDewey''', a continuously updated version for [[Cataloging (library science)|catalogers]].
The [[decimal]] number classification introduced the concepts of ''relative location'' and ''relative index''. Libraries previously had given books permanent shelf locations that were related to the order of acquisition rather than topic. The classification's notation makes use of three-digit numbers for main classes, with fractional decimals allowing expansion for further detail. Numbers are flexible to the degree that they can be expanded in linear fashion to cover special aspects of general subjects.<ref>Chapter 17 in {{cite book |last1=Joudrey|first1=Daniel N.|last2=Taylor|first2=Arlene G.|last3=Miller|first3=David P.|title=Introduction to Cataloging and Classification|date=2015|publisher=Libraries Unlimited/ABC-CLIO|location=Santa Barbara, CA|edition=11th|isbn = 978-1-59884-856-4}}</ref> A library assigns a classification number that unambiguously locates a particular volume in a position relative to other books in the library, on the basis of its subject. The number makes it possible to find any book and to return it to its proper place on the library shelves.<ref group="Note">Consider as an example a book on the network protocol IPv6. It will be located at 004.62, after general networking books (004.6) but before peripherals (004.7). It can thus be placed on the shelf in the correct location.</ref> The classification system is used in 200,000 libraries in at least 135 countries.<ref>{{cite web
|url = https://www.oclc.org/dewey/default.htm
|title = Dewey Services
|year = 2009
|publisher = [[Online Computer Library Center|OCLC]]
|access-date = November 4, 2009
|quote = Offers library users familiarity and consistency of a time-honored classification system used in 200,000 libraries worldwide
|archive-date = January 31, 2010
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100131052825/https://www.oclc.org/dewey/default.htm
|url-status = live
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url = https://www.oclc.org/dewey/about/translations/countries.htm
|title = Countries with libraries that use the DDC
|year = 2009
|publisher = [[Online Computer Library Center|OCLC]]
|access-date = November 4, 2009
|quote = Libraries in more than 135 countries use the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system to organize their collections for their users. [135 countries are listed.]
|archive-date = March 14, 2010
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100314035405/https://www.oclc.org/dewey/about/translations/countries.htm
|url-status = live
}}</ref>
==History==
[[Image:Melvil Dewey 1891.jpg|thumb|[[Melvil Dewey]], the inventor of the Dewey Decimal classification]]
===1873–1885: early development===
[[Melvil Dewey]] (1851–1931) was an American librarian and self-declared reformer.<ref>{{Citation
|publisher = American Library Association
|isbn = 978-0838906804
|location = Chicago
|title = Irrepressible reformer
|last = Wiegand
|first = Wayne A.
|date = 1996
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In 1996, homosexuality was added to 306.7 ([[sexual relations]]); this remains the preferred location in the current edition. Although books can also be found under 616.8583 (sexual practices viewed as medical disorders), the official direction states:<ref name="Sullivan"/>
{{blockquote
|text=Use 616.8583 for homosexuality only when the work treats homosexuality as a medical disorder, or focuses on arguing against the views of those who consider homosexuality to be a medical disorder
}}
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== See also ==
* [[Comparison of Dewey and Library of Congress subject classification]]
* [[List of Dewey Decimal classes]]
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