As a previous post explained, the beta version of the WebDewey number building tool typically required use of the Edit Local function to get the correct number of zeros for a standard subdivision when it was on more than one zero. The newest version of WebDewey is considerably more adept, which we will demonstrate with several examples, each of which explores a different piece of the puzzle.
Example 1. First we revisit the number from our previous post. Until now we would need to invoke the Edit Local function to get this number right, but now the number building tool gets it right on its own. Repeating from that post: "Let's use the number-building tool to build 368.11009 for a history of fire insurance. We start by retrieving our base number 368.11 *Fire insurance and then clicking Start. Since 368.11 has an add instruction, 'Add as instructed under 368.1–368.8,' that span and its immediate subordinates are displayed in the hierarchy box, and the internal add table under 368.1–368.8 is displayed in the Notes box."
Since the standard subdivision we want to add is not modified under 368.1–368.8, we navigate to T1—09 History, and click Add. The number building tool now correctly adds the extra zero for us:
Example 2. This time, let's use the number-building tool to build 368.110065 for fire insurance companies. We start in the same way by retrieving our base number 368.11 *Fire insurance and then clicking Start. Notation 0065 Insurance companies from the expansion under 368.1–368.8:006 is not a standard subdivision, however, but is special notation. (See section 8.4 of the Introduction for further clarification.) In this case, we navigate to the special notation and click Add, giving us our built number, with the correct number of zeros:
The general principle is to add standard subdivisions by navigating to and adding from Table 1, but to add special notation from expansions under standard subdivisions by navigating to and adding the special notation from the add table where it appears. Following these general principles will result in incorporating the most appropriate coding for the underlying MARC record.
Example 3. An exception to the general principle stated above applies if a standard subdivision number or range in an add table has an associated add instruction. In this case, we need to navigate to the add table notation, not to Table 1. If we want, for example, to build 224.50046 for apocalyptic passages in the book of Daniel, we begin by retrieving 224.5 Daniel and clicking Start. The footnote add instruction at 224.5 tells us to add as instructed under 221–229 Specific parts of Bible, Apocrypha, pseudepigrapha, intertestamental works. We navigate to 001-009 Standard subdivisions in the add table under 221–229 because of the add instruction associated with 001-009. That gets us to this point:
We click Add, then navigate to 220.046 Apocalyptic passages, and click Add. Our final result is just what we want:
Example 4. The number building FAQ presents the following question and answer:
Why can't I start with a built number already in the DDC and add further to it?
The number building tool does not support extension to existing built numbers (other than direct addition of notation from Table 1 to the built number). If the number has been built with one step, the number building tool attempts to decompose the number automatically. If you click Start, the base number will appear in the Create-built-number box, and the notation taken away from the built number you started with will be displayed as the suggested addition to the base number in the hierarchy box.
It's possible you may have categorized the behavior described by "If the number has been built with one step, the number building tool attempts to decompose the number automatically" as a shortcut. Letting the number building tool attempt to decompose numbers automatically can get in the way, however, of correct addition of standard subdivisions. Let's say that you want to build 966.9005 Nigeria—serial publications. Start by going to the record with the add instruction that allows you to build 966.9; that is, first retrieve 930–990 History of specific continents, countries, localities; extraterrestrial worlds and click Start:
Then retrieve / navigate to T2—669 Nigeria and click Add:
Then retrieve / navigate to T1—05 Serial publications and click Add:
Caveat: We have tried other ways to build this number, but have not found any other that works (except by invoking the Edit Local function).
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