Carol Briggs
Web Drop-In #1
Introduction
to the Dewey Decimal System
We will start to learn about the Dewey Decimal System. The Dewey Decimal System is a system of
organization that helps us locate books in the library. It was invented by Melvil Dewey. We will learn about the man (section I), the
system he created (section II), and we will have an opportunity to reflect on
what we’ve learned (section
We will be working with this website: http://www.thrall.org/dewey/
I.) Melvil Dewey
Please read the section about the inventor of the Dewey Decimal system, Melvil Dewey. To read about him, go to this link: http://www.thrall.org/dewey/dewbio.htm. After you read about Mr. Dewey, answer the following questions:
1.) When was Melvil Dewey born?
2.) Name 3 important, noteworthy things that Mr. Dewey did in his life.
II.) Dewey
Decimal System
Next, find out more about the Dewey Decimal System. Please go to this link: http://www.thrall.org/dewey/dewlearn.htm. After you read the section about the Dewey Decimal System, answer the following questions:
1.) In the Dewey Decimal system, the 200’s indicate what subject matter?
2.) The arts are located in which number division?
3.) The 900’s indicate what subject matter?
III.) Reflect
Think about what you have learned about the Dewey Decimal System. Why is it important? Do you think it would be more difficult to use the library if there were not an organizational system like the Dewey Decimal System? Why or why not?