LM_NET: Library Media Networking
When students ask about Dewey vs. LC, I usually explain that Dewey
divided all knowledge into 10 parts, and each of the parts into 10
subgroups and just kept doing that. But the Library of Congress took a
practical (rather than a theoretical) look at their collection and
arranged it into groups according to what they had. Therefore although
both arrangements are expandable, Dewey can end up with much longer
numbers on one line than some book spines can accomodate. But both
arrangements are logical when they are shelved. So who really cares
which one is used. The main purpose of any library system is to make
materials findable. A side advantage of LC and Dewey is that books on
similar subjects tend to be shelved near each other. That doesn't work
too well when a collection is arranged by size of book! (although
arrangement by size is better when you are short on shelving).
Judy Gray, Nottingham H.S., Syracuse, NY jagray@freeside.scsd.k12.ny.us
LM_NET
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