Desimalklassifikasjon

Desimalklassifikasjon, commonly known as the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), is a proprietary bibliographic classification system used by many libraries to organize their collections. Developed by Melvil Dewey in 1876, it assigns a unique numerical code to each subject, allowing for a systematic arrangement of books on shelves and in catalogs. The system is hierarchical, dividing all knowledge into ten main classes, each represented by a three-digit number. These main classes are further subdivided into more specific subjects using decimal points. For example, 500 represents Science, 510 represents Mathematics, and 513 represents Arithmetic. The DDC is designed to be universal, covering a vast range of subjects from philosophy to history and the arts. Its primary purpose is to facilitate browsing and retrieval of information by patrons, enabling them to find related materials located near each other. While widely adopted, especially in public and school libraries, other classification systems, such as the Library of Congress Classification, are also in use, particularly in academic and research institutions. The DDC is continuously updated by the OCLC, ensuring its relevance in reflecting new knowledge and evolving subject areas.