We have completed development of an online set of training modules (available at no charge) for the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC). The modules are based on DDC 23, and each consists of a slide presentation and a set of exercises. Several of the modules treat general principles governing the operation of the DDC; others treat the structure and use of specific tables and main classes. The presentations and exercises assume the availability of the latest version of the DDC database (i.e., WebDewey), and a professor, trainer, and/or experienced Dewey user for offering explanations and fielding questions.
The availability of many of the modules has been announced previously. What’s new now is that (1) the set of modules covers all of the DDC schedules and tables (modules for the 500s and 600s are newly provided), and (2) all modules have been updated to match DDC 23.
Here’s a quick look at what you can learn from each module:
Technical Introduction
As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will understand DDC's use of structural and notational hierarchy; be familiar with different types of notes in the DDC; be familiar with the relationship of different terminologies to the DDC; be able to apply basic rules to choose correctly between multiple potential base numbers; and be able to apply basic number building techniques. The module also provides a brief introduction to Tables 1, 2, 5, and 6.
This module provides the groundwork required for successful completion of the other modules.
WebDewey 2.0
As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will understand the benefits of using WebDewey; be able to access content in WebDewey by making effective use of its search, browsing, and navigation capabilities; and understand the structure of WebDewey data displays. This module will be updated as new features are added to WebDewey 2.0. Features currently covered in this module include the history of numbers, icons for built numbers and Manual notes, user and institution comments, and preferences.
Since these online training modules assume access to the latest version of the DDC database (i.e., WebDewey), completion of this module (or equivalent background) is assumed by essentially all other modules.
Table 1
As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will understand the basic principles underlying use of Table 1; be familiar with topics that can be expressed by Table 1 notation; and be able to apply the basic principles underlying use of Table 1.
This module presupposes some level of mastery of the principles taught in the Technical Introduction module and is in turn presupposed by many other modules.
Choice of Number Review
As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will be able to apply basic rules to choose correctly among multiple potential base numbers. This is also one of the objectives of the Technical Introduction to the DDC. This review module is intended to reinforce the learner's grasp of these key rules before the learner embarks on a more difficult module, such as Number Building: Add Tables. While the principles being taught in the review module are the same as in the relevant portion of the Technical Introduction to the DDC, the examples and exercise items are different.
This module presupposes some level of mastery of the principles taught in the Technical Introduction and Introduction to Table 1 modules.
Number Building: Add Tables
As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will be able to build numbers using add tables and be able to apply instructions about standard subdivisions found in add tables.
This module presupposes some level of mastery of the principles taught in the Technical Introduction and Introduction to Table 1 modules. In particular, learners need to be aware of methods of choosing the correct base number.
The modules below for specific parts of the schedules and tables presuppose some level of mastery of the principles taught in the Technical Introduction and Introduction to Table 1 modules. In particular, learners need to be aware of methods for choosing the correct base number. If the Technical Introduction module isn’t fresh in learners’ minds, it might be helpful to revisit that module and/or the Choice of Number Review module.
000_100_200
As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will be familiar with the overall structure of the 000s, 100s, and 200s and will be able to build numbers in those areas of the schedules that depend on preference tables, preference instructions, add instructions, and/or add tables.
300 and Table 5
As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will be familiar with the overall structure of the 300s and with major relationships between disciplines in the 300s and other disciplines both in and out of the 300s. Additionally, learners will be able to build numbers in the 300s that depend on preference tables, preference instructions, add instructions (especially those referencing Table 5), and/or add tables.
400 and Tables 4 and 6
As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will be familiar with the overall structure of the 400s and will be able to build numbers in the 400s that depend on preference tables, preference instructions, add instructions (especially those referencing Table 4 or Table 6), and/or add tables.
500
As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will be familiar with the overall scope and structure of the 500s and will be able to build numbers in the 500s that depend on preference tables, preference instructions, add instructions, and/or add tables. Particular emphasis is given to numbers in 570–590.
600
As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will be familiar with the overall structure of the 600s and will be able to build numbers in the 600s that depend on preference tables, preference instructions, add instructions, and/or add tables. Particular emphasis is given to the following numbers: 616-618, 636, 647.9, and 690.
700
As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will be familiar with the scope of various types of arts in the DDC as well as relationships among them. Learners will also be familiar with various modes of treating persons in the arts and works of art. As with other modules, learners will be able to build numbers in this area of the schedules that depend on preference tables, preference instructions, add instructions, and/or add tables.
800 and Table 3
As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will be familiar with (1) the overall structure of the 800s, (2) aids that are available for building numbers in the 800s, and (3) circumstances in which Tables 3A, 3B, and 3C are used. Using that background, learners will be able to build correct numbers in the 800s.
900 and Table 2
As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will be familiar with the overall structure of the 900s and will understand its relationship to Table 2; learners will also be able to identify when history, geographic treatment, and biography should be classed in the 900s vs. when they should be classed elsewhere. This module introduces the three major add tables in the 900s, which learners will be able to use in building numbers in the 900s.
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