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Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)

Graphic realisation of the Dewey number for Dewey Decimal Classification (025.431) Graphic: Tina Mengel

Here you will find some useful information about DDC Deutsch and Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), the most extensively used universal classification system worldwide.

Dewey Decimal Classification is a knowledge organisation system used in many libraries across the world. First published in 1876 in the format developed by Melvil Dewey, after whom it was named, it is constantly being developed and the content modified to make sure it moves with the times.

Unlike in the USA, its country of origin, where the majority of libraries traditionally use “Dewey” as a shelving system, we mainly use DDC for catalogue searches.

Diversity matters – how we use DDC

  • The Deutsche Nationalbibliografie (German National Bibliography) is structured using DDC Subject Categories.
  • DDC Short Numbers are used for machine-based classificatory cataloguing.
  • The German National Library has been assigning full numbers since 2007 in keeping with international practice, for example at the Library of Congress and the British Library.

DDC at the German National Library

WebDewey for classifying and searching

  • WebDewey Deutsch contains the latest updates to the classification system and is a tool for cataloguing media works using DDC.
  • WebDewey Search facilitates literature searches in several catalogues simultaneously using DDC.

Origin and international prevalence of DDC

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) originated in the USA and was named after Melvil Dewey (1851–1931).

Whether in Germany, France, Iceland, Norway or Vietnam: DDC is used all over the world and this trend is increasing.

This development is not least the result of successful international cooperation.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

I’m not familiar with DDC but would like to incorporate it into my literature searches. How can I do this?

There are two easy ways to find publications at the German National Library that have been catalogued using DDC:

  • WebDewey Search: The DDC numbers, which are arranged hierarchically using the decimal system, can be browsed intuitively with no prior knowledge of DDC. You can browse both general and highly specific subjects. Once your search has returned results, you can open them directly in the German National Library’s catalogue and refine your search even further if necessary. Tip: select several library catalogues; this will make your searches more successful!
    Note: You can find WebDewey Search in our catalogue by following the link “Browse (DDC)”.
  • Advanced search in the catalogue of the German National Library : If you are already somewhat familiar with DDC, select “DDC number” in the drop-down list and enter a DDC number. You can also combine your search with other search filters.

More about WebDewey Search

To the catalogue

Is there a print edition of DDC 23?

The English-language print edition of DDC 23 appeared in 2011; the 15th abridged version of the DDC (Abridged Edition 15) was published in English in 2012. Since then, OCLC has discontinued the publication of regular print editions; however, they will supply an annually updated English-language print-on-demand version on request.

Information about the English-language print editions published by OCLC

Information about the German-language print edition of DDC 22

There are no plans to publish a print edition of DDC 23 in German. The classification application WebDewey Deutsch contains all the content of the classification system together with all regular updates.

Can I assign DDC numbers free of charge for my own collection?

In principle, no license is required to classify media using DDC numbers.

The complete content of the DDC system, i.e. everything that goes beyond individual DDC numbers and class headings, is protected by copyright by OCLC.

We will gladly answer any questions about licensing for the German edition of DDC.

More about WebDewey Deutsch & WebDewey Search

DDC Deutsch – translation and use

To the DDC summaries

Why can’t I find a specific update on the WebDewey Deutsch update page?

DDC Deutsch has been regularly updated since it was first translated (2005). Before the switch to WebDewey Deutsch in 2012, DDC changes were documented using a different workflow. This means that changes documented before 2012 cannot be retrieved on the WebDewey Deutsch update page. However, WebDewey Deutsch contains an archive file which incorporates the change information that pre-dates 2012.

More about WebDewey Deutsch

Is technical support available if problems arise when synthesising difficult DDC numbers?

Yes, it is! The classification application WebDewey Deutsch can be used to synthesise built numbers with the aid of a number-building engine. This interprets the DDC number-building instructions automatically and thus assists with the assignment of numbers from the schedules and auxiliary tables. If the built number is to be stored in the system, the engine makes additional suggestions for the class heading and Relative Index entries.

More about WebDewey Deutsch

How can I tell whether a DDC number was assigned intellectually or by machine?

In the German National Library’s catalogue, DDC numbers are identified in the title data with the note “maschinell ermittelte DDC-Kurznotation” (“machine-generated DDC Short Number”).

Full DDC numbers that have been assigned intellectually do not have this note; instead the DDC edition is cited in square brackets after the number: [DDC22ger] or [DDC23ger].

More about the DDC at the German National Library

More about Cataloguing media works

Contact

Dr. Heidrun Alex

h.alex@dnb.de

Tina Mengel

t.mengel@dnb.de

Short-URL: https://www.dnb.de/ddc

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