Dewey Decimal System Chart Printable Free Download

The Dewey Decimal System is a widely used method of organizing books and other materials in libraries. It was first introduced by Melvil Dewey in 1876 and has since become a standard system used in libraries around the world. In this article, we will explore the Dewey Decimal System, its benefits, and how to use it. We will also provide a printable Dewey Decimal System chart that you can download for free.

What is the Dewey Decimal System?

The Dewey Decimal System is a numerical method of organizing books and other materials in libraries. It uses a combination of numbers and letters to categorize materials into different subjects. The system is based on ten main classes, which are further divided into more specific subclasses.

The Ten Main Classes of the Dewey Decimal System

The Dewey Decimal System has ten main classes, which are:

000: General works
100: Philosophy and psychology
200: Religion
300: Social sciences
400: Language
500: Science
600: Technology
700: Arts and recreation
800: Literature
900: History and geography

How Does the Dewey Decimal System Work?

The Dewey Decimal System works by assigning a unique number to each book or material. The number is based on the subject of the material and is used to shelve the material in the correct location. The system is designed to be flexible and can be used in libraries of all sizes.

Steps to Use the Dewey Decimal System

Here are the steps to use the Dewey Decimal System:

Determine the subject of the material.
Look up the corresponding number in the Dewey Decimal System chart.
Write the number on the material.
Shelf the material in the correct location.

Benefits of the Dewey Decimal System

The Dewey Decimal System has several benefits, including:

Easy to use: The system is simple and easy to use, making it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Flexible: The system can be used in libraries of all sizes and can be adapted to fit the needs of different collections.
Consistent: The system provides a consistent method of organizing materials, making it easier for patrons to find what they are looking for.
Expandable: The system can be expanded to include new subjects and materials.

Examples of the Dewey Decimal System in Use

Here are some examples of the Dewey Decimal System in use:

A library has a book on the history of World War II. The book would be classified in the 940s, which is the section for European history.
A student is looking for a book on psychology. They would look in the 150s, which is the section for psychology.
A librarian is shelving a book on computer programming. They would put it in the 005s, which is the section for computer science.