http://www.newworldencyclopedia.

org/entry/Library_classification

Library classification
A library classification is a system of coding and organizing library materials (books,
serials, audiovisual materials, computer files, maps, manuscripts, realia) according to
their subject and allocating a call number to that information resource. Similar to
classification systems used in biology, bibliographic classification systems group entities
that are similar together typically arranged in a hierarchical tree structure (assuming
none-faceted system).
Classification of a piece of work consists of two steps. Firstly the 'aboutness' of the
material is ascertained. Next, a call number based on the classification system will be
assigned to the work using the notation of the system.
It is important to note that unlike subject heading or Thesaurui where multiple terms can
be assigned to the same work, in classification systems, each work can only be placed
in one class. This is true also for faceted (see later) classification systems due to the
enforcement of a citation order. Most classification systems like DDC and Library of
Congress classification, also add a "cutter number" to each work which adds a code for
the author of the work.
Classification systems in libraries generally play two roles. Firstly, they facilitate subject
access by allowing the user to find out what works or documents the library has on a
certain subject. Secondly, they provide a known location for the information source to be
located (e.g where it is shelved).
The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC, also called the Dewey Decimal System) is
a proprietary system of library classification developed by Melvil Dewey in 1876, and
has since then been greatly modified and expanded through 22 major revisions, the
most recent in 2004.

How it works
The DDC attempts to organize all knowledge into ten main classes. The ten main
classes are then further subdivided. Each main class has ten divisions, and each
division has ten sections. Hence the system can be summarized in 10 main classes,
100 divisions and 1,000 sections. DDC's advantage in choosing decimals for its
categories allows it to be both purely numerical and infinitely hierarchical.
It also uses some aspects of a faceted classification scheme, combining elements from
different parts of the structure to construct a number representing the subject content
(often combining two subject elements with linking numbers and geographical and
temporal elements) and form of an item rather than drawing upon a list containing each
class and its meaning.

Classes
The system is made up of ten main classes or categories, each divided into ten
secondary classes or subcategories, each having ten subdivisions of its own. For a
more detailed list, see List of Dewey Decimal classes.
 000 – Computer science, information, and general works
 100 – Philosophy and psychology
 200 – Religion
 300 – Social sciences
 400 – Language
 500 – Science
 600 – Technology
 700 – Arts and recreation
 800 – Literature
 900 – History and geography