Instead of throwing out the whole system, why not re-assign some
numbers? We all know that does happen, certainly my Edition 14(Abridged
Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index) has differences from
the earlier versions. Ask the powers that be to look at this bias issue
and see what they come up with.
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Sarles Patricia (18K500)
Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 11:39 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: bias in dewey and non-bias in Britannica's Propedia
here's what britannica has to say:
"The Dewey system's numerical classification provides a shorthand
identification and location tool. The notation lends itself to memory
through the constant repetition of a standard pattern (area arrangement,
different numbers for particular languages), through parallel subject
developments (each book of the Bible given the same development as the
Bible as a whole), and through patterned repetition of standard
subdivisions (theory, study and teaching, history, geography, etc.). To
distinguish works within a group and to expedite retrieval, many
libraries add a book number created from the Cutter, or Cutter-Sanborn,
Tables, which provide further specifications for author and genre."
disappointingly, the Britannica makes no mention of Dewey's flaws in
terms of his bias, but rather that his system was adopted throughout the
English-speaking world; certainly not surprising considering how
imperialist the English-speaking world is/was
I do think a better classification tool, that does not show bias, would
be something based on the Britannica's Outline of Knowledge, the
Propedia.
Is anyone working on anything like that?
_________________________
Patricia Sarles, MA, MLS
Passages Academy Libraries
941 Rev. James A. Polite Avenue
Bronx, New York 10459
tel: (718) 861-2003
fax: (718) 861-2039
psarles@schools.nyc.gov
"Nothing of value comes without being earned, That's why great leaders
are those who lead by example first. You can't demand respect because of
a title or a position and expect people to follow. That might work for a
little while, but in the long run people respond to what they see." -
Michael Jordan
"Libraries are not made; they grow." - Augustine Birrell
-----Original Message-----
From: David Lininger [mailto:DLininger@skyline.k12.mo.us]
Sent: Mon 11/12/2007 10:36 AM
To: Sarles Patricia (18K500)
Subject: RE: Bias in Dewey
We need to remember that dear old Dewey did not live in the 21st
century. We can't hold him to our current PC standards. Back when he set
up his system, he didn't intend for it to be used by people in other
parts of the world. He set it up for the United States, and back then,
almost everyone had at least a passing acquaintance with Christianity,
and there were few people practicing non-Christian religions.
David Lininger, kb0zke,
MS/HS Librarian
Hickory County R-1 Schools
Urbana, MO 65767
d l i n i n g e r at S k y l i n e. k12. m o. us
_________________________
Patricia Sarles, MA, MLS
Passages Academy Libraries
941 Rev. James A. Polite Avenue
Bronx, New York 10459
tel: (718) 861-2003
fax: (718) 861-2039
psarles@schools.nyc.gov
"Nothing of value comes without being earned, That's why great leaders
are those who lead by example first. You can't demand respect because of
a title or a position and expect people to follow. That might work for a
little while, but in the long run people respond to what they see." -
Michael Jordan
"Libraries are not made; they grow." - Augustine Birrell
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