Abstract

In this book, John Bowman provides an introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification suitable either for beginners or for librarians who are out of practice using Dewey. He outlines the content and structure of the scheme and then, through worked examples using real titles, shows readers how to use it. Most chapters include practice exercises, to which answers are given at the end of the book. A particular feature of the book is the chapter dealing with problems of specific parts of the scheme. Later chapters offer advice on how to cope with compound subjects, and a brief introduction to the Web version of Dewey. Written in an engaging and direct style, this text is a companion volume both to the author's own bestselling Essential Cataloguing and to Vanda Broughton's Essential Classification. It is ideal for library students, and for public, school and solo librarians and classifiers who are just beginning to use Dewey and need some simple examples.
John Bowman MA MA PhD MCLIP is Programme Director for Library and Information Studies at the School of Library, Archive and Information Studies, University College London. He has many years’ practical experience of using and teaching Dewey and has been a member of the CILIP Dewey Decimal Classification Committee since 1985.
"It is clear that the book achieves what it sets out to do, i.e. provide an easy introduction for library school students and those experienced practitioners turning to DDC for the first time, and this reviewer would certainly recommend its purchase." - Library Review