Dewey Decimal System

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Melville Kossuth Dewey was born December 10 1851. Dewey was the creator of the Dewey Decimal System when he was 21. He used knowledge from other people to make it but he refined all those ideas into one system. He also helped establish the American Library Association (ALA) and died December 26, 1931.

Melville Kossuth Dewey was born December 10 1851. Dewey was the creator of the Dewey Decimal System when he was 21

Dewey Decimal System

The Dewey Decimal System is used for NONFICTION, (my favourite kind!) The main categories are:

000 – Computer science, information & general works
100 – Philosophy & psychology
200 – Religion
300 – Social sciences
400 – Language
500 – Pure Science
600 – Technology
700 – Arts & recreation
800 – Literature
900 – History & geography

Under each category there are subcategories. So a specific number under 400 would be Spanish languages for example. Or a specific number under 700 would be painting. This PDF shows you some subcategories.

Watch this quick video to get the idea if you aren’t familiar with how it works:

I don’t go to my library much anymore because I get so many review books. I used to spend HOURS at the library just looking up subjects on the computer catalogue. Or I would go up and down aisles in the sections that interested me most (science, language, religion and psychology.)

Usually the basics of the system is taught in school but if you aren’t a nonfiction reader, you probably haven’t used it much. I encourage everyone to try more nonfiction, it’s great!

If you DO read nonfiction, tell me which section(s) you frequent the most.

About Kathleen

I've been a nonfiction lover for as long as I can remember. I love children's nonfiction as well and love to share my knowledge and the books I gained them from, with the world. I wish more people would give nonfiction a chance.