With the expert cataloging instruction of Alex Kyrios, Editor of the Dewey Decimal Classification at OCLC, you will gain a comprehensive grounding in Dewey Decimal Classification® principles and practice. Starting with the basics, this eCourse will teach you how to assign DDC® numbers with correct meaning in hierarchy, build numbers using tables, and apply numbers that help patrons browse your library.
Experienced users will benefit from guidance in building complex numbers, in using Table 3 for literature, and ideas for more effective use of the DDC® system.
Please note that this eCourse can also be purchased as part of the Practical Classification and Subject Access Cataloging eCourse Bundle.
The 23rd Edition of the Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index is ©2011-2014 OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc. ("OCLC"). All copyright rights in all previous editions of the Dewey Decimal Classification are owned by OCLC. WebDewey screen shots are ©2014 OCLC. Mr. Dewey and His Dot are ©1992 OCLC. Dewey, DDC, Dewey Decimal Classification, OCLC, and WebDewey are registered trademarks/service marks of OCLC. Used with permission.
Learning Outcomes
After partipating in this eCourse, you will:
- Know how to read and interpret DDC® notation and analyze how to apply it in real-world library situations
- Be able to competently search WebDewey® for the assignment of DDC® numbers
- Be able to use DDC® Tables for number-building and successfully build longer DDC® numbers
Who Should Attend
Library staff looking to learn about DDC cataloging will find this course relevant.
Instructor
Alex Kyrios is Editor of the Dewey Decimal Classification at OCLC. He previously worked as a cataloger at the University of Idaho and the Folger Shakespeare Library. He received his MLS at the School of Information and Library Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and his BA at the College of William & Mary. In his spare time, he contributes to Wikipedia, hosts bar trivia (local health regulations permitting), and enjoys games of all sorts. He lives in Washington, D.C.
Registration
Cost
- $209.00 for nonmembers
- $188.10 for ALA Members
How to Register
- Online
- By Email: registration@ala.org
- By Mail: American Library Association, ATTN: MACS/Online CE Registration, 225 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60601
Tech Requirements
Participants will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection for online message boards participation, viewing online video, listening to streaming audio (mp3 files), and downloading and viewing PDFs and PowerPoint files. This course is fully compatible with Windows and MacOs.
Contact
Questions about your registration should be directed to registration@ala.org.
If you have any other questions about this event, please contact us at elsmarketing@ala.org.
At Your Service
Accommodations are offered based on user needs. For transcription or other accessibility requests, please contact us at elsmarketing@ala.org.
eCourse Outline
Week 1:
- Identify the parts of the DDC® and become familiar with the main classes, Divisions, and sections
- "Read" the patterns in existing DDC® numbers and express the meaning of numbers in hierarchy
- Understand how DDC® can be applied to make library collections browsable
- Log in to WebDewey® and
- Navigate the hierarchy of the Main Schedules and Tables
- Search and browse for concepts that are in the Relative Index
- Assign appropriate DDC® numbers to simple concepts
Week 2:
- Choose appropriate DDC® numbers from the main schedules for subjects with multiple facets that may require a table of preference or consultation of the Manual
- Use Table 1 to add standard subdivisions with the correct number of zeroes
- Apply major patterns from the tables for geography and groups of people
- Apply the concept of "approximate the whole" and its exceptions
Week 3:
- Do complex number-building with base numbers and pieces of other numbers
- Follow number-building instructions through multiple steps in the main schedules and tables
- Truncate DDC® numbers correctly to preserve meaning
- Make decisions about appropriate length of DDC® numbers for different collections within your library
Week 4:
- Build synthetic numbers for specific languages in the 400 class using Tables 6 and 4
- Read the meaning of numbers in the 800 class that you find in library collections
- Build synthetic numbers for literature in the 800 class using Tables 3A, 3B, and 3C