025.431: The Dewey blog

DDC Online Training: 700

(N.B. The link given for the Dewey online training web site below is new.  Later this year we will update the training materials to be consistent with DDC 23, at which time we will provide you with a different link.  Two clues will tell you where you are:  (1) the URL will include the edition number and (2) the color scheme of the PowerPoint presentations will correspond to the color of the print edition.)

Among the set of Basic course training modules recently posted to the Dewey online training web site is the PowerPoint presentation Introduction to 700; the presentation is accompanied by a set of exercises. [For further information about our overall online training effort, see our previous blog entry (which links to the former training web site).]

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.    

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 for choosing the correct base number.  (If the Technical Introduction module isn’t fresh in learners’ minds, it might be helpful to use the Choice of Number Review module.)    

DDC Online Training: 400 and Tables 4 and 6

(N.B. The link given for the Dewey online training web site below is new.  Later this year we will update the training materials to be consistent with DDC 23, at which time we will provide you with a different link.  Two clues will tell you where you are:  (1) the URL will include the edition number and (2) the color scheme of the PowerPoint presentations will correspond to the color of the print edition.) 

Among the set of Basic course training modules recently posted to the Dewey online training web site is the PowerPoint presentation Introduction to 400 and Tables 4 and 6; the presentation is accompanied by a set of exercises. [For further information about our overall online training effort, see our previous blog entry (which links to the former training web site).]

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.

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 for choosing the correct base number.  (If the Technical Introduction module isn’t fresh in learners’ minds, it might be helpful to use the Choice of Number Review module.)    

 

DDC Online Training: 300 and Table 5

(N.B. The link given for the Dewey online training web site below is new.  Later this year we will update the training materials to be consistent with DDC 23, at which time we will provide you with a different link.  Two clues will tell you where you are:  (1) the URL will include the edition number and (2) the color scheme of the PowerPoint presentations will correspond to the color of the print edition.)

Among the set of Basic course training modules recently posted to the Dewey online training web site is the PowerPoint presentation Introduction to 300 and Table 5; the presentation is accompanied by a set of exercises. [For further information about our overall online training effort, see our previous blog entry (which links to the former training web site).]

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.

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 for choosing the correct base number.  (If the Technical Introduction module isn’t fresh in learners’ minds, it might be helpful to use the Choice of Number Review module.)    

DDC Online Training: 000-100-200

(N.B. The link given for the Dewey online training web site below is new.  Later this year we will update the training materials to be consistent with DDC 23, at which time we will provide you with a different link.  Two clues will tell you where you are:  (1) the URL will include the edition number and (2) the color scheme of the PowerPoint presentations will correspond to the color of the print edition.)

Among the set of Basic course training modules recently posted to the Dewey online training web site is the PowerPoint presentation Introduction to 000, 100, 200; the presentation is accompanied by a set of exercises. [For further information about our overall online training effort, see our previous blog entry (which links to the former training web site).]

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.

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 for choosing the correct base number.  (If the Technical Introduction module isn’t fresh in learners’ minds, it might be helpful to use the Choice of Number Review module.)    

Sweden Goes Dewey, Part 3

Left-to-right, interleaving all rows; from the National Library of Sweden, unless otherwise noted:  Maria Jansson, Eva Abrahamsson, Ingrid Berg, Anna Wallin, Tuija Drake (Stockholm University Library), Harriet Aagaard (Stockholm Public Library), Viveka Norström Hallberg, Olof Osterman, Magdalena Svanberg, Ann Tobin, Pia Leth, Madeleine Primmer, Kerstin Assarsson Rizzi, Pär Öberg, Anders Cato, Thomas Lindström (Göteborgs University Library), Viktoria Lundborg, Joakim Philipson, Helene Stenberg (Umeå University Library), Unn Hellsten; missing from photo: Jamshid Farahani, Pia Bodå (Uppsala University Library)

As previously noted (see here and here), the National Library of Sweden has spearheaded a movement among libraries in Sweden to switch from the use of the Klassifikationssystem för svenska bibliotek, commonly referred to as the SAB, to the use of the Dewey Decimal Classification.  In consequence of the National Library’s decision, the Swedish Library Association recommended that all libraries in Sweden consider adoption of the DDC; among those who have already decided to do so are all the major academic libraries.  (For more on the switch, see Magdalena Svanberg’s 2009 paper presented at the IFLA satellite meeting, “Looking at the Past and Preparing for the Future.”)

Presently, work on developing a mixed translation of the DDC in Swedish and English is nearing completion, and the Dewey Project team is planning how to provide DDC training throughout Sweden.  Part of their recent preparation included a week-long training course, using the basic course modules from the Dewey training site (more PowerPoint presentations and exercises will soon be mounted there; watch this space for announcements of their availability).  As the training presenter, I was deeply encouraged to see the level of understanding demonstrated by those taking the training, especially by members of the Dewey Project team.  Dewey is in good hands in Sweden, and we look forward to a long history of continued cooperation.

In a finding that should surprise no one, feedback on the training session indicated that a five-day orientation to the DDC is probably too intense for beginners.  Optimally, the DDC learner has the opportunity to assimilate the classification system by cycling through instruction and practice over an extended period of time.  (If you are a professional librarian and wanting to refresh your knowledge of the DDC, we invite you to make use of the materials on our training website.)  The Dewey Project team is considering distance education possibilities for follow-up training after providing introductory training in face-to-face mode.

DDC Online Training: Choice of Number Review

A new module being posted to the Dewey online training web site is a PowerPoint presentation entitled “Choice of Number Review.”  The presentation is accompanied by a set of exercises.  For further information about our overall online training effort, see our previous blog entry.

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.

DDC Online Training: WebDewey Basics: Searching & Browsing WebDewey

Among the first modules being posted to the Dewey online training web site is a PowerPoint presentation entitled "WebDewey Basics: Searching & Browsing WebDewey." This presentation is not accompanied by a set of exercises. For further information about our overall online training effort, see our previous blog entry. 

As a result of successfully completing this module, learners will understand the relationship between WebDewey and the print edition of the DDC; 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.

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 required by essentially all other modules.

DDC Online Training: Number Building: Add Tables

Among the first  modules being posted to the Dewey online training web site is a PowerPoint presentation entitled “Number Building: Add Tables.”  The presentation is accompanied by a set of exercises.  For further information about our overall online training effort, see our previous blog entry.

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.  When the Choice of Number Review module is available, that will be a good module to use immediately preceding this unit.  Meanwhile, there is a section on choice of number in the Technical Introduction module.

DDC Online Training: Table 1

Among the first modules being posted to the Dewey online training web site is a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Table 1." The presentation is accompanied by a set of exercises. For further information about our overall online training effort, see our previous blog entry.

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.

DDC Online Training: Technical Introduction

Among the first modules being posted to the Dewey online training web site is a PowerPoint presentation entitled "Technical Introduction to the DDC." The presentation is accompanied by a set of exercises. For further information about our overall online training effort, see our previous blog entry.

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 most other modules.