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Shelf numbers, also known as call numbers or class numbers, are essential for navigating library resources. Each shelf number consists of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) number and a three-letter suffix, typically derived from an author’s surname or title. This system organizes materials by subject, facilitating easier retrieval from the shelves. Developed by Melville Dewey in 1876, the DDC divides knowledge into ten main classes, further subdivided for specificity. Understanding shelf numbers is vital for effective research and resource management in libraries.
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The key to Library resources How to unlock it
What is a shelf number and why is it important? • It is the number that appears on the spine of a book • A shelf number can also be called a call number or class number • It consists of 2 parts, namely the Dewey Decimal Classification number and a suffix of 3 letters • The suffix are usually made up of the first 3 letters of an author’s surname or the title • The shelf number can be seen as the “address” of the item • It is important because it groups together materials on the same subject and on related subjects to make items easier to find on theshelves
Dewey Decimal Classification : a history • The Dewey Decimal Classification System was developed to bring order in the Library and to promote easy access • Melville Dewey published the first Dewey Decimal Classification System (DDC) in 1876 • Today we are using the 22nd edition of Dewey’s classification
What is a DDC number? • According to the DDC system each item in the Library is given a DDC number • The number given depends on the subject field that the item covers MAIN OS 658 MAN MAIN OS 659 ADV MAIN OS 658. 15 FIN MAIN OS 658. 8 MAR MAIN OS 658. 022 SMA
000 Generalities 100 Philosophy & Psychology 200 Religion 300 Social Science 400 Language 500 Natural Science & Mathematics 600 Technology 700 Arts 800 Literature 900 Geography & History DDC : divided into 10 main classes
Division of the 10 main classes • The 10 main classes each have ten divisions • Each of the divisions are further divided, which makes it more specific • As the number expands it moves from the general to the specific • DDC uses the decimal place to make the number even more specific
Example • To find the classification number for personnel management we need to start with the class for Technology (Applied Sciences), 600’s • Therefore, the first number of the shelf number will be 6 • The 10 divisions of the 600’s is: • 600 Technology • 610 Medical Sciences • 620 Engineering & Allied operations • 630 Agriculture & Related technologies • 640 Home economics & Family living • 650 Management & Auxiliary services • 660 Chemical engineering • 670 Manufacturing • 680 Manufacture for specific uses • 690 Buildings
…example continue • Personnel management will be classified under “Management and Auxiliary services”650 • Now we know the second number of the shelf number will by 5 • Let’s see the divisions of the 650's to find the next number: • 651 Office service • 652 Processes of written communication • 653 Shorthand • 657 Accounting • 658 General Management • 659 Advertising & Public relations
…example still continuing • Business Management, including Personnel Management, would be under 658 • The 658’s are further divided by theuse of decimals to specify what type of management 600 – Technology (Applied Science) 650 – Management & Auxiliary Services 658 – Business Management 658.3 – Personnel Management
