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    Classification

    DDC 23rd Edition

    Md. AshikuzzamanBy Updated:8 Comments5 Mins Read

    DDC 23rd Edition:

    The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system is widely used for organizing and classifying books and other library materials worldwide. Developed by Melvil Dewey in the late 19th century, the DDC provides a hierarchical structure that categorizes knowledge into ten main classes, each represented by a unique numerical notation. These classes are subdivided into subclasses, allowing for increasingly specific subject classification. The DDC system enables librarians and researchers to efficiently locate resources on particular topics within a library’s collection, facilitating the organization and accessibility of information for users. With its long-standing presence in library science, the Dewey Decimal Classification continues to serve as a fundamental tool in organizing and retrieving knowledge in libraries worldwide.

    The DDC 23rd Edition of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system, published in mid-2011, represents a significant update to its predecessor, DDC 22, considering the advancements in human knowledge over the intervening years. This four-volume unabridged edition incorporates various tools to improve the user experience and comprehension of the classification system. These tools include an introduction, a glossary, and a list of new features that aid in understanding how the DDC organizes knowledge to benefit library users worldwide. The DDC 23 Introduction, a complete reproduction from volume 1 of DDC 23, offers an extensive overview of the classification system. It covers essential terminology, explains the structure of the DDC, and provides numerous illustrative examples to facilitate understanding. These resources work harmoniously to facilitate efficient access to the information within the DDC classification, ensuring its usefulness and practicality in libraries worldwide.

    The DDC 23rd Edition introduced several new features to enhance the classification system and improve its usability. Some of the notable new features include:

    1. Provisions for Technology (004-006): DDC 23 reflects the rapidly evolving field of technology by incorporating new provisions in the 004-006 range. These updates ensure the classification system remains current with technological changes and the digital landscape.
    2. Updates to Religion (200): The DDC 23rd Edition includes updated provisions for specific religious traditions. This ensures the classification system accurately represents diverse religious beliefs and practices worldwide.
    3. Expanded Provisions in Law (340): The 23rd Edition features improved provisions in the Law category, particularly for legal systems based on civil law. These updates enhance the classification of legal materials and make them more accessible to library users.
    4. Revised Provisions for Food and Clothing: The DDC 23rd Edition includes updates to the classification of food and clothing (641, 687), reflecting changes and developments in these areas. These revisions help to organize better resources related to food, culinary arts, fashion, and textiles.
    5. Updates to Graphic Arts and Decorative Arts (740): The provisions for graphic arts and decorative arts were revised in DDC 23, reflecting changes in artistic practices and expanding coverage of these creative fields.
    6. Significant Expansions in Athletic and Outdoor Sports and Games (796): The 23rd Edition features substantial expansions in classifying athletic and outdoor sports and games, accommodating the growing interest and diverse range of activities in this field.
    7. Table 2 Expansions: Table 2, which deals with geographic areas and historical periods, underwent significant expansions in DDC 23. Parallel provisions were introduced in categories 930-990, covering the ancient world, Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Canada, allowing for more specific classification within these regions.
    8. Updated Historical Periods (930-990): DDC 23 includes updated historical periods throughout the 930-990 range, ensuring accurate classification and organization of historical materials based on the latest research and understanding.

    These new features and updates in the DDC 23rd Edition reflect the ongoing evolution of knowledge and ensure that the classification system remains relevant and useful for library users worldwide.

    The DDC 23rd Edition organizes knowledge into ten main classes covering various subjects. These classes are:

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

    In addition to the main classes, DDC 23 also features six tables that provide further subdivisions and specific categorizations for various subjects. These tables are:

    1. Table 1: Standard Subdivisions;
    2. Table 2: Geographic Areas, Historical Periods, Biography;
    3. Table 3: Subdivisions for Arts, for IndividualLiteratures, for Specific Literary Forms;
      Table 3-A: Subdivisions for Works by or about Individual Author
      Table 3-B: Subdivisions for Works by or about More than One Author
      Table 3-C: Notation to be added where Instructed in Table 3B, 700.4, 791.4, 808-809
    4. Table 4: Subdivisions of Individual Languages and Language Families;
    5. Table 5: Ethnic and National Groups Table
    6. Table 6: Languages.

    References: (This document is collected from materials available from online/web and organize here for LIS students)

    1. KRISHAN KUMAR. Theory of classification. 1993. Vikas Publishing; New Delhi. p1.
    2. SHARMA (C D). Use of libraries: A guide to better use of libraries and their resources. 1978. Metropolitan Book; New Delhi. p-120.
    3. SHARMA (C D). Op. cit., p 121.
    4. KRISHAN KUMAR. Op. cit., p 4.
    5. INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY (IGNOU). Unit 2: Needand purpose of library classification. IGNOU; New Delhi. p 26.
    6. DUTTA (Dwijendranath). Library classification: Theory and practice. 1962. The Western Book Depot; Nagpur. p 48.
    7. RAJU (Addepali Appala Narasimha). Dewey decimal classification (DDC 20): Theory and practice: A practical and self instructional manual. 1995. T.R. Publications; Madras. p 4.
    8. CHOWDHURY (G G). Introduction to modern information retrieval. Ed. 3. 2004. Facet Publishing; London. p 89.

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    8 Comments

    6. Muhammadu Sabiu on

      please i need the soft copy of these DDCs Schemes both Vol. 1, 2, 3, and 4. please how can i get it please !

      Reply
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