Dewey Decimal System facts for kids

Part of the relative index of the Dewey Decimal Classification

A library book shelf in Hong Kong classified using the Dewey classification scheme

The Dewey Decimal System is a smart way to organize books in libraries. It helps you find books easily by putting them in order by subject. This system uses numbers from 000 to 999 to group books. You'll find it in many public libraries and schools around the world.

It's called "decimal" because it uses numbers after a decimal point. These extra numbers help make the subjects even more specific. For example, 944.1 might be for the history of a particular region. Each main subject has its own set of numbers. Melvil Dewey created this system in 1876. It's also known as the Dewey Decimal Classification. The system has been updated many times over the years, with the latest big update being number 23 in 2011. There's even a smaller version, called "Abridged Dewey," for smaller libraries.

How Books Are Organized by Subject

The Dewey Decimal System breaks down all knowledge into 10 main groups. Each of these groups then has 10 smaller, more detailed categories. This makes it easy to find books on similar topics together.

Main Subject Categories

Here are the 10 main groups of the Dewey Decimal System:

• 000 – Computer Science, Information, and General Works: This includes books about computers, the internet, and general topics like encyclopedias.
• 100 – Philosophy and Psychology: Find books here about how we think, feel, and understand the world.
• 200 – Religion: This section covers different religions and beliefs.
• 300 – Social Sciences: Learn about how people live together, including topics like government, law, and education.
• 400 – Language: Books about different languages, grammar, and dictionaries are found here.
• 500 – Science: Explore topics like math, physics, chemistry, biology, and nature.
• 600 – Technology: This group includes books on engineering, medicine, cooking, and other practical skills.
• 700 – Arts and Recreation: Discover books about music, painting, sports, and hobbies.
• 800 – Literature: Read novels, poetry, plays, and other forms of writing.
• 900 – History and Geography: Find books about past events, different countries, and travel.

Related Topics to Explore

• Literature
• Reading
• Book

Images for kids

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  Melvil Dewey, the inventor of the Dewey Decimal classification

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  1885 - Dewey Decimal Classification

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  Children being taught the top-level categories of the Dewey Decimal Classification system at a library in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in the 1960s

See also

In Spanish: Sistema Dewey de clasificación para niños