025.431: The Dewey blog

The Dewey Decimal Classification 2024 print-on-demand version is here

By Charlotte Wells

We’re pleased to share that the 2024 print-on-demand version of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system is now available. The DDC is the world’s most widely used way to organize library collections and is continuously updated to reflect the modern world across any topic in multiple languages. The print-on-demand version provides offline access to the DDC.

Order Dewey print-on-demand

As knowledge expands and as languages evolve, the DDC is updated with new terminology to promote a culture of empathy and spotlight the importance of diversity. It covers topics comprehensively so that your library remains a place of acceptance and enables your patrons to discover your materials quickly and efficiently.

What's new?

More respectful terminology has been added for: 

• Groups of people  
• LGBTQ+ topics 
• Autism 
• Gender dysphoria 

Modernized coverage of: 

• Climate change
• Immigration, emigration, and migration within borders
• Home care of people with illnesses and disabilities

Order Dewey print-on-demand

Is an electronic version of the DDC more useful for your library? Check out WebDewey.

Register for July 2024 eCourse: Using WebDewey and Understanding Dewey Decimal Classification

Registration is now open for the latest class of Using WebDewey and Understanding Dewey Decimal Classification, brought to you by ALA Publishing in cooperation with OCLC. Dewey Senior Editor Alex Kyrios will serve as the instructor for this 4-week facilitated eCourse starting on Monday, July 1, 2024.

Participants will gain a comprehensive grounding in Dewey Decimal Classification® (DDC) principles and practices. Starting with the basics, this eCourse will teach you how to:

• Navigate within WebDewey to determine appropriate DDC numbers
• Build numbers using the WebDewey number building tool
• Apply numbers that help patrons browse your library

Plus, experienced users will benefit from guidance building more complex numbers and learn how to make more effective use of WebDewey. Lessons are asynchronous so you can review course materials and complete exercises as your schedule allows.

To learn more and register for this eCourse, please see this page. You may also consider the three-course Practical Classification and Subject Access Cataloging Bundle, which adds courses on Library of Congress Classification (LCC) and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), with a savings of 25% compared to the three courses individually.