025.431: The Dewey blog

WebDewey Install Scheduled for September 7, 2023

A WebDewey install is scheduled for Thursday, September 7, 2023. You may experience an outage around 9:00 EDT, (13:00 UTC), which should not last for more than 15 minutes.

“We’re all born naked and the rest is drag”—RuPaul

Here in the DDC editorial office, we periodically receive questions looking for classification clarification, suggestions for a change in classification descriptions, and requests for a new classification to be added.  We received one of these requests for a specific DDC number for drag, so of course we looked into it and agreed it was a needed classification.

Literary warrant was apparent, but how to best classify a subject with many interpretations? Drag performances and performers have recently moved into the mainstream of American culture but depending on your definition of “drag” has been part of cultures worldwide in various forms.  Common folklore holds that the term started with Shakespeare’s cross-casting of actors performing women’s roles, and it is suggested that the term came from the acronym “dressed as girl”, although this is unproven.   Some consider impersonation drag, but often this is without any exaggerated costuming.

We needed a clear definition and turned to Homosaurus.org for theirs.  Homosaurus describes drag as “a performance genre involving dressing and/or using makeup to produce, emphasize, and/or exaggerate traits associated with a certain gender, which typically (but not always) is not the gender the performer primarily identifies with.”  This definition helped us move forward in our work.

We began to explore current classification entries on where the best home for drag would be.  Ultimately, we chose 792 Stage presentations, and from 792.7 Variety shows and theatrical dancing, we continued drag to a newly authorized number at 792.72. 

So to all of the drag queens and drag kings out there, welcome to the DDC.  We’re happy to have you!

Results of EPC Meeting 144

Meeting 144 of the DDC Editorial Policy Committee (EPC) was held last month. All proposals were approved in full or with amendments, and many of the changes are already live in WebDewey. As usual, the versions of the exhibits at oc.lc/DeweyExhibits remain in their proposed form; once they’re approved, our focus is publishing the changes to WebDewey rather than retroactively marking up any of the proposals.

Of note, the development for Afghanistan from EPC 144-T2.2 has been split from the other Central Asian countries (which have already been published). In response to some comments, we think we have a better way of handling Afghanistan. Also, we’re going to work out some kinks in EPC 144-S27.1, on Christian persecutions, but there will probably not be a separate exhibit on it.

Expect to see some more posts on some of the specific changes from EPC 144 in the coming weeks. Although Kathryn Becker has completed her term as Editor in Residence and moved on to a full-time position at the Library of Congress, you’ll also be seeing some posts she wrote about her work.

Register for September 2023 eCourse: Using WebDewey and Understanding Dewey Decimal Classification

We're a month out from another 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, September 11, 2023.

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.

“So long, and thanks for all the fish”--Douglas Adams

Well, it's the end of my time as the Editor-in-Residence here in the DDC office.  Since working here, I have gained a new appreciation for the Dewey system and the daily work that goes into it.  That work is hours, days, weeks, and months long in its research, solutions, and implementations.  That sounds like an excessively long time for a topic, but considering that these original divisions were created in 1873, it isn’t much time at all.

I’m happy to say that all of my projects were approved by the international EPC committee.   You’ll soon see new organization for autism spectrum disorder (as the umbrella term), cross dressing (in two different areas), gender dysphoria (no longer with sexual disorders), drag (for queens and kings), and style changes for the terms Black people and White people. Other topics have also been approved by the EPC, and you'll see a few more posts here on my projects in the coming weeks.

A special thinks to DDC’s Senior Editor, Alex Kyrios for his patience; Juli, Winton, and Michael (retired editors), for their insights and expertise (and Winton’s knowledge of editorial rules at the drop of a hat); Gina’s Team at OCLC headquarters for their support and recognition of this work; and to the EPC international committee for their exhibit approval and thoughtful discussions.  It has been a privilege working with all of you. 

Another special thanks to my husband, Patrick, who has encouraged me since our high school days, supported me in my quests, and on some days, handed me a tissue when the frustration level was high.  I would not have taken this amazing opportunity if I didn't have you cheering me on all the way.  Thank you.

Perhaps the largest thanks goes to those people that I know and love who will be seeing themselves represented more accurately in the library shelves.  This has all been for you.  Thank you.

My next stop will be just down the hall from our current office.  I'll be joining the Library of Congress as a cataloger in the Benelux, France, & Italy section of the ALAWE division.  Ciao!

And to our readers: Dewey is a very large system with a small team constantly editing its entries, but your help would be very appreciated.  How can you help?  Email with your questions, suggestions, or comments to [email protected].  This doesn’t put you on any sort of mailing list or even commits you to the proposal (although help is most appreciated), but it does help keep the DDC relevant and timely.  Have an idea?  Send it along!  Want to be part of the process?  Email Alex and he’ll have a chat about interested areas.  Be an active part in the system!

AskQC Office Hours: Debiasing Dewey

Kathryn Becker and I will be presenting a free webinar, Debiasing Dewey: Righting the past by rewriting the classification, on July 20 (4pm EDT, 8pm UTC), as part of OCLC’s AskQC Office Hours series. We’ll be joined by several colleagues who will also be on hand to answer questions. We’ll prioritize those about the presentation and the DDC, but there’s usually time to open it up for general questions too.

You can find registration information in the link above, as well as a recording and slides from the first session. Wait, first session? Why wasn’t that on the blog? Oops, I did it again! I hope you’ll join us for this one, and if you can’t, you can view the recording, and you’re always welcome to ask questions here or via dewey [at] oclc.org.

EPC 144 exhibits ready for review

The DDC Editorial Policy Committee (EPC) will hold their annual meeting from 12-14 July. At this meeting, Meeting 144, they will consider a slate of exhibits with proposed changes to the classification. The following exhibits are available for review at our Google Drive page:

• EPC 144-S27.1 272.1-.9 Persecutions in general church history--historical periods
• EPC 144-S30.1 Transvestism and cross dressing
• EPC 144-S30.2 304.8 Movement of people and 325 International migration and colonization
• EPC 144-S36.1 365.47 Institutions for immigrants and refugees
• EPC 144-S36.2 Climate change
• EPC 144-S61.1 Gender dysphoria
• EPC 144-S61.2 Autism spectrum disorder; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• EPC 144-S64.1 649.8 Home care of people with illnesses and disabilities by family and friends
• EPC 144-S74.1 Design in 745-749 (discussion paper)
• EPC 144-S79.1 Drag
• EPC 144-S89.1 Period table for Cornish literature at 891.67
• EPC 144-T2.1 Subdivisions of Pakistan
• EPC 144-T2.2 Subdivisions of Central Asian countries
• EPC 144-T5.1 Black people and White people
• EPC 144-T5.2 Irish Travellers (Mincéirs)

Some of these proposals come straight from DDC users, and many others were prompted by questions or suggestions. I've already had a proposal sent to me for the next meeting! If you'd like to be a part of that, I encourage you to get in touch. And for EPC 144, I encourage any interested users to review and comment on these proposals. You may do so here on the blog, via email, or at the DDC contributors forum at oc.lc/DeweyContributors. You can also share your comments directly with members of EPC.

“How can people change their minds about us if they don’t know who we are?” – Harvey Milk

Between my internship time constraints (I’m 2/3 of the way through), preparing presentations for our OCLC team, and the researching, writing, revising exhibits for our EPC meeting in July, we’ve been busy here these past few months in the DDC office.  Let me tell you a bit about the projects I’ve been working on.

My focus has been on topics that primarily affect the LGBTQIA+ community.  Currently, I have three projects that will be presented to the EPC board for approval; I’m hoping to have at least one more, and if I can manage it, two more projects by then.  Curious?  I’m excited to tell you about them, so read on!

My first topic was suggested by a librarian (remember, you can email us at [email protected] with ideas and suggestions) for the best place to classify books on drag  Once I researched the history behind drag, what drag is and isn’t, and the talented people that perform drag, we will be proposing a number of 792.72 Drag, which falls under the 792 Stage presentations.  In other words, drag will have its space so that readers can find information and understanding. 

While researching drag, it became quickly apparent that the topic of transvestism (306.778) needed to be addressed as well.  First, the term is outdated with cross dressing being the preferred term.  Secondly, referring to scholarly works and articles, it quickly became clear that the intention of cross dressing determines how the topic should be classified.  This led to many discussions with agreement to not only change “transvestism” to “cross dressing”, but to deprecate 306.778, and also create 391.68 Cross dressing, under the 391.6 Personal appearance classification. 

Of course, cross dressing is also related to gender identity.  Historically, Dewey follows current knowledge and accepted practices.  At one point, the topic of “gender identity disorder” was classified as a sexual disorder at 616.8583 under the broader mental disorders and next to sex addiction and sexual abuse.  Not only is this outdated, but it reduces individuals into medical specimens.  Once again referring to DSM–5, ICD–11, and various scholarly medical articles, I found that science is gaining a better understanding of the biological influences on gender identity, and the adoption of the term “gender dysphoria” is much more accurate and meaningful.  Gender dysphoria is more of an emotion based condition than an ailment, and acceptance and affirmation is the largest part of moving forward.  The DDC is crowded and finding just the right place was difficult.  With some input from gender nonconforming librarians, the proposal of expanding 616.8527 Depressive disorders (which already includes other emotional disorders) to become “Depressive disorders and dysphoria” (as there are 4 main types of known dysphoria) is supported and brings the topic more inline with today’s knowledge.

Knowledge is a powerful thing.  Expanding that knowledge is what libraries are about.  Maybe the knowledge in these topics will help someone understand their daughter or son, brother or sister, parents, friends, neighbors, or even themselves.  That’s what the DDC editors are here for—helping libraries help their users expand their knowledge.

2023 Dewey print DDC now available

By Jen Noel, cross-posted from the WebDewey Community Center

The 2023 Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) in print is now available. Notable additions to this year’s version include new and updated topics and subtopics—such as Islam, pandemics, historical periods—and a new hierarchy for graphic design and design disciplines at 744.

The newly updated DDC also incorporates more diverse perspectives and voices. This includes efforts led by our first Editor-in-Residence to update terms to better reflect the experiences and perspectives of underrepresented groups, as well as the addition of new topics related to diverse cultures and communities. By incorporating a wider range of perspectives, the DDC is better equipped to serve the needs of diverse users and communities.

By upgrading to the 2023 print DDC, you can ensure that your library is using the most current classification system available.

Get the 2023 Dewey print DDC

What does it take to change something in the DDC?

Great question, and I’m glad you asked!

The DDC is always in a state of review.  These reviews may be one of several different reasons, but some of those could be the result of the presence of sufficient literary warrant (in a nutshell, at least 20 published works on a subject), a change of terminology as language and meaning evolves, or even a change in geopolitical boundaries.  Regardless of how the change is started, the process is the same for the suggested updates.

An idea is proposed to the editor and then the work begins.  A review of the topic’s treatment within the DDC and other systems, such as the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) or subject-specific systems, such as Homosaurus, is made.  Is there disagreement or consensus across the platforms?  What is the best way to address the subject’s classification within the DDC?

Finding the literary warrant for the subject is then needed and if the current classification gives the best possibility of discovery by users.  Also examine the more specific subject headings under the broader Dewey classes. Would the proposal make a better classification home for multiple works?  Are there any historical reasons for the current classification?  This has to be considered as well when making changes.

Let’s say that there is enough literary warrant for a better classification for the subject’s works.  What happens next?  Decisions need to be made!  Is this something that needs a change to an existing topic or is it a new topic that isn’t covered within the DDC?  Either choice will also mean that you need to have a plan in place, especially if the change of classification could potentially be disruptive to the library systems that use the current number.

It's time to create the exhibit, or draft proposal, to showcase your work on the topic.  It doesn’t have to be long, but it does need to have an explanation of the current treatment of the subject, your research on the topic, and your recommendations for change (templates are available for this).  Submit this exhibit to the editors and they will take it from there.  There may be long discussions about the proposed change/addition, or a quick consensus to moving forward or the need for revision before further submission.

From here, your proposal will be submitted to the Editorial Policy Committee (EPC) which consists of ten librarians from around the world who give their input on acceptance or the need for revisions.  EPC meets online and in-person several times a year to vote on these proposal exhibits.  After a period for public comments, and if EPC determines that the exhibit is complete and correct, the DDC editors publish the changes in WebDewey.

We’d love to have your input on making the DDC more reflective of what is needed.  You can do this by emailing your suggestions to [email protected].  You can also check out https://sites.google.com/view/deweycontributors to see examples of the process.  We’d love to hear from you!