New iteration: Using WebDewey and Understanding Dewey Decimal Classification eCourse

Chicago—ALA Publishing eLearning Solutions announces a new iteration of our popular eCourse, Using WebDewey and Understanding Dewey Decimal Classification. Violet Fox will serve as the instructor for a 4-week facilitated eCourse starting on Monday, May 6, 2019.

With the expert cataloging instruction of Violet Fox, 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.

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

About the Instructor

Violet Fox is one of the editors of the Dewey Decimal Classification. She received her MLIS from the University of Washington in 2013. Her research interests include the intricacies of zine cataloging and the ethical implications of classification.

Registration for this ALA Publishing eLearning Solutions facilitated eCourse, which begins on May 6, can be purchased at the ALA Store. Participants in this course will need regular access to a computer with an internet connection for online message board participation, viewing online video, listening to streaming audio (MP3 files), and downloading and viewing PDF and PowerPoint files.

ALA Publishing eLearning Solutions (ELS) produces high-quality professional development events and materials for the library profession. ELS events cover modern issues on a wide variety of topics in formats that include live workshops, asynchronous eCourses, and print publications. We help ensure that today’s library employees have access to the professional development opportunities they need, whether they are brushing up on the basics or expanding their horizons with cutting-edge tools. Contact us at elsmarketing@ala.org.

ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness, and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. 

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.