.png "Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)")
The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), often referred to as the Dewey Decimal System, is one of the most enduring and widely used library classification systems in the world. It provides a structured way to organize books and other library materials based on subject matter in a systematic and logical manner, making it easier for users to locate resources in libraries. DDC arranges knowledge into ten main classes, each represented by a three-digit number. These classes are further divided into more specific topics using decimal notation. The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is a proprietary library classification system developed by Melvil Dewey. It was first published in the United States in 1876. It is used in approximately 200,000 libraries in over 135 countries.
Contents:
- History and Development
- Purpose of DDC
- Objectives of DDC
- Editions of DDC
- WebDewey: A Modern Tool for Library Classification
- Introduction
- What is WebDewey
- Key Features of WebDewey
- Advantages of WebDewey
- WebDewey vs Printed Dewey
- Importance of WebDewey in Modern Libraries
- Conclusion
- Structure and Notation of Dewey Decimal Classification
- The Ten Main Classes of DDC
- Divisions and Sections of DDC
- Hierarchical Structure and Decimal Expansion of DDC
- Notational Hierarchy
- Decimal Notation and Its Importance in DDC
- Decimal Notation and Call Numbers
- Relative Index and Schedules
- Schedules
- Relative Index
- Tables
- Arrangement of the DDC
- Volume 1
- Volume 2
- Volume 3
- Volume 4
- Entries
- Number Building
- More Information
- How the DDC Works in Practice
- Examples of DDC Classifications
- Advantages, Benefits, and Global Usage of DDC
- Limitations of DDC
- Conclusion
- DDC Timeline
- List of DDC Classes
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
The DDC was conceived by Melvil Dewey, an American librarian, in 1873 while he was a student at Amherst College. The first edition was published anonymously in 1876 as a 44-page pamphlet titled "A Classification and Subject Index for Cataloguing and Arranging the Books and Pamphlets of a Library." Dewey's innovative system was revolutionary because it used decimal numbers to categorize knowledge hierarchically, allowing for infinite expansion as new subjects emerged.
Over the years, the DDC has evolved significantly. It has gone through 23 major editions, with the most recent print edition released in 2011. Today, it is maintained by OCLC (Online Computer Library Center), a nonprofit cooperative that serves libraries globally. An online version called WebDewey is continuously updated to reflect changes in knowledge and terminology.
.jpg "History of Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)")
PURPOSE OF DDC
The primary purpose of the DDC is to organize library materials in a systematic and accessible way. By assigning a unique numerical classification to each item, libraries can ensure that books on similar subjects are shelved together, making it easier for patrons to browse and locate information. This logical arrangement enhances the discoverability of resources and optimizes the efficiency of library operations.
The main objectives of the Dewey Decimal Classification are:
- To organize knowledge logically
- To facilitate the easy retrieval of information
- To allow infinite expansion using decimal notation
- To provide uniformity and consistency in library arrangement
The DDC is published in full and abridged editions in print and web accessible versions. The abridged edition is a logical truncation of the notational and structural hierarchy of the corresponding full edition on which it is based, and is intended for general collections of 20,000 titles or less. WebDewey, the electronic version of the classification is updated frequently and contain additional index entries and mapped vocabulary. Currently, the Abridged 15 edition is available to WebDewey subscribers in pdf form. Abridged numbers are indicated with segmentation marked. The electronic version and supplemental web postings are the chief sources of ongoing updates to the DDC. On the Dewey web site (www.oclc.org/dewey), selected new numbers and changes to the DDC are posted regularly.
Introduction
WebDewey is an online version of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system that allows librarians to classify library materials using a web-based interface. Developed and maintained by OCLC, WebDewey provides continuously updated classification data, search tools, and editorial notes that help catalogers assign accurate Dewey numbers to library resources.
As libraries increasingly rely on digital tools for cataloging and metadata management, WebDewey has become an essential resource for modern librarians.
What is WebDewey?
WebDewey is an interactive online tool that provides access to the Dewey Decimal Classification database. Unlike the traditional printed volumes, WebDewey allows librarians to quickly locate classification numbers, see related subjects, and follow built-in instructions for number building.
It integrates classification data with modern cataloging workflows and is widely used in academic, public, and research libraries.
Key Features of WebDewey
1. Advanced Search Capabilities
WebDewey allows librarians to search by:
Keyword
Subject
Dewey number
Relative index terms
This helps catalogers quickly identify the correct classification number for a resource.
2. Hierarchical Browsing
The interface shows the hierarchical structure of the Dewey system, allowing users to move from broad classes to more specific topics.
Example:
500 Natural Sciences
510 Mathematics
516 Geometry
3. Editorial Notes and Instructions
WebDewey includes guidance such as:
Notes
Tables
Instructions for number building
Cross references
These notes help catalogers apply classification rules correctly.
4. Regular Updates
Unlike printed editions, WebDewey is continuously updated by OCLC editors to reflect changes in knowledge and terminology.
5. Built-in Tables
WebDewey provides access to the DDC tables, which allow librarians to create more specific numbers.
Examples include:
Geographic subdivisions
Language subdivisions
Standard subdivisions
6. Integration with Cataloging Tools
WebDewey integrates with other OCLC cataloging services such as WorldCat, enabling librarians to work more efficiently during cataloging.
Advantages of WebDewey
1. Faster Cataloging
Catalogers can quickly find accurate numbers using search and browsing features.
2. Up-to-date Classification
Continuous updates ensure that classification reflects modern subjects.
3. Improved Accuracy
Editorial notes and structured navigation reduce classification errors.
4. Accessibility
Being web-based, it can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.
5. Better Metadata Management
WebDewey supports modern cataloging standards and digital library workflows.
WebDewey vs Printed Dewey
| Feature | Printed DDC | WebDewey |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Multi-volume books | Online platform |
| Updates | New editions periodically | Continuous updates |
| Search | Manual browsing | Keyword and number search |
| Navigation | Index and tables | Hyperlinked hierarchy |
| Integration | None | Works with cataloging systems |
Importance of WebDewey in Modern Libraries
WebDewey plays a critical role in:
Digital cataloging workflows
Metadata creation
Efficient classification of new resources
Supporting international library standards
As libraries manage both physical and digital collections, tools like WebDewey help maintain consistent subject organization and retrieval.
Conclusion
WebDewey represents the digital evolution of the Dewey Decimal Classification system. By combining the established structure of DDC with powerful online search and navigation features, it enables librarians to classify resources quickly, accurately, and consistently.
Maintained by OCLC and used by libraries worldwide, WebDewey is an indispensable tool for modern cataloging and knowledge organization.
STRUCTURE AND NOTATION OF DEWEY DECIMAL CLASSIFICATION
At its core, the DDC organizes knowledge into ten main classes, each representing a broad discipline or field of study. These classes are divided into divisions and sections, using a decimal-based notation for increasing specificity. This hierarchical structure allows for precise classification while accommodating growth in any subject area.
DDC is based on a hierarchical structure:
- Main Classes (000–900)
- Divisions (10 divisions within each class)
- Sections (10 sections within each division)
Each level adds greater subject specificity.
The Ten Main Classes of DDC
The DDC categorizes all knowledge into ten main classes, each represented by a three-digit number. These main classes cover a broad spectrum of subjects, from philosophy and religion to science, technology, and history.
Here are the ten main classes:
000 (000–099) - Computer Science, Information & General Works: This class includes encyclopedias, bibliographies, computer science, and journalism.
Example: 004.6 - Local Area Networks (LAN)
100 (100–199) - Philosophy & Psychology: This covers metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, logic, and various schools of psychology.
Example: 150 - Psychology
200 (200–299) - Religion: This class encompasses world religions, mythology, and theology, with a strong focus on Christianity.
Example: 294.3 - Buddhism
300 (300–399) - Social Sciences: This includes sociology, economics, law, political science, education, and social welfare.
Example: 330 - Economics
400 (400–499) - Language: This covers linguistics, specific languages, dictionaries, and grammar.
Example: 420 - English Language
500 (500–599) - Science: This class includes mathematics, astronomy, physics, chemistry, biology, geology, and botany.
Example: 570 - Biology
600 (600–699) - Technology: This covers applied sciences, medicine, engineering, agriculture, home economics, and manufacturing.
Example: 610 - Medicine & Health
700 (700–799) - Arts & Recreation: This includes fine arts, music, performing arts, sports, and recreation.
Example: 796.357 - Baseball
800 (800–899) - Literature: This class covers literature of specific languages, poetry, drama, fiction, essays, and rhetoric.
Example: 823 - English Fiction
900 (900–999) - History & Geography: This includes geography, travel, biography, and history of specific regions and periods.
Example: 940 - History of Europe
Divisions and Sections of DDC
Each main class is further subdivided. For instance, the 500s (Natural sciences and mathematics) break down into divisions like 510 (Mathematics), 520 (Astronomy), and so on. These divisions are then segmented into sections, such as 595 (Other invertebrates) within the 590s (Zoological sciences).
Divisions and Sections: Examples
Example 1: Science (500)
- 500 – Natural Sciences
- 510 – Mathematics
- 516 – Geometry
- 516.3 – Analytic Geometry
Example 2: Technology (600)
- 600 – Technology
- 630 – Agriculture
- 636 – Animal Husbandry
- 636.7 – Dogs
Example 3: Literature (800)
- 800 – Literature
- 820 – English Literature
- 823 – English Fiction
- 823.914 – Contemporary English Fiction
Hierarchical Structure and Decimal Expansion of DDC
Within each main class, the DDC uses a hierarchical structure, expanding on subjects through the use of decimal points. This allows for increasingly specific categorization. Each three-digit number can be further subdivided by adding a decimal point and more digits.
For instance, consider the 600 – Technology class.
- 610 – Medicine & Health (a division of Technology)
- 612 – Human Physiology (a subdivision of Medicine)
- 612.8 – Nervous System (a subdivision of Human Physiology)
- 612.82 – Brain (a further subdivision of the Nervous System)
This decimal expansion allows for immense specificity, ensuring that even very niche topics have a unique and logical place within the system.
Notational Hierarchy
In DDC, longer numbers represent more specific subjects, while shorter numbers indicate broader topics.
Example:
- 600 – Technology
- 620 – Engineering
- 621 – Applied Physics
- 621.381 – Electronics
Decimal Notation and Its Importance in DDC
One of the most powerful features of DDC is decimal notation, which allows:
- Unlimited subject expansion
- Precise classification of documents
- Easy addition of new topics without disturbing existing numbers
Example:
- 300 – Social Sciences
- 320 – Political Science
- 320.54 – Nationalism
- 320.540954 – Nationalism in India
Decimal Notation and Call Numbers
The DDC uses a decimal system for refinement. A call number might look like 595.789, where:500 represents Natural sciences.
- 590 narrows to Zoological sciences.
- 595 specifies Other invertebrates.
- 595.7 focuses on Insects.
- 595.78 targets Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies).
- 595.789 pinpoints Butterflies specifically.
To distinguish between books on the same topic, the author's last name (or title if no author) is added, often abbreviated to the first three letters, e.g., 595.789/BRO for a book by James P. Brock.
Books are shelved in numerical order, treating the numbers as decimals. For example:
- 331 comes before 331.01.
- 331.0413 follows 331.041 but precedes 331.042.
This ensures precise ordering, even with varying lengths of numbers.
Relative Index and Schedules
The DDC is comprised of several key components:
Schedules: These are the heart of the DDC, listing the classification numbers and their corresponding subjects in a systematic order.
Relative Index: The Relative Index is an alphabetical list of subjects with corresponding DDC numbers. This alphabetical index provides terms and concepts, directing users to the appropriate DDC numbers regardless of where they appear in the schedules. It helps overcome the challenge of knowing where a subject might fit into the ten main classes. For example, "Child Psychology" might be found under Psychology (155.4) or Social Sciences (305.23). The Relative Index guides you to all relevant numbers.
The Relative Index in DDC helps users:
- Find the correct class number quickly
- Locate subjects that may appear in more than one discipline
- Economics – 330
- Buddhism – 294.3
- Climate Change – 363.73874
Tables: These provide standardized numbers that can be added to base numbers to further refine a classification. For example, a table for geographical areas allows you to specify a book about the history of France (944) or the history of a specific city within France.
The print version of the latest full edition of the DDC, Edition 23, is composed of the following major parts in four volumes:
Volume 1
(A) Introduction: A description of the DDC and how to use it
(B) Glossary: Short definitions of terms used in the DDC
(C) Index to the Introduction and Glossary
(D) Manual: A guide to the use of the DDC that is made up primarily of extended discussions of problem areas in the application of the DDC. Information in the Manual is arranged by the numbers in the tables and schedules.
(E) Tables: Six numbered tables of notation that can be added to class numbers to provide greater specificity
Volume 2
(F) Schedules: The organization of knowledge from 000–599
Volume 3
(G) Schedules: The organization of knowledge from 600–999
Volume 4
(H) Relative Index: An alphabetical list of subjects with the disciplines in which they are treated subarranged alphabetically under each entry
Entries
Entries in the schedules and tables are composed of a DDC number in the number column (the column at the left margin), a heading describing the class that the number represents, and often one or more notes. All entries (numbers, headings, and notes) should be read in the context of the hierarchy.
In the print version of the DDC, the first three digits of schedule numbers (main classes, divisions, sections) appear only once in the number column, when first used. They are repeated at the top of each page where their subdivisions continue.
Subordinate numbers appear in the number column, beginning with a decimal point, with the initial three digits understood.
Some numbers in the schedules and tables are enclosed in parentheses or square brackets. Numbers and notes in parentheses provide options to standard practice. Numbers in square brackets represent topics that have been relocated or discontinued, or are unassigned. Square brackets are also used for standard subdivision concepts that are represented in another location. Numbers in square brackets are never used.
Number Building
Only a fraction of potential DDC numbers are included in the schedules. It is often necessary to build or synthesize a number that is not specifically listed in the schedules. Such built numbers allow for greater depth of content analysis. There are four sources of notation for building numbers: (A) Table 1 Standard Subdivisions; (B) Tables 2–6; (C) other parts of the schedules; and (D) add tables in the schedules.
Number building is initiated only upon instructions in the schedules (except for the addition of standard subdivisions, which may take place anywhere unless there is an instruction to the contrary). Number building begins with a base number (always stated in the instruction note) to which another number is added.
More Information
The Dewey web site (www.oclc.org/dewey) contains up-to-date information about the DDC, DDC products and services, and DDC licensing. For more information about the structure and application of the Dewey Decimal Classification, consult the Introduction. A more in-depth introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification may be found on the Dewey Teaching Site at http://oc.lc/deweyteachingsite
HOW THE DDC WORKS IN PRACTICE
Libraries assign call numbers to materials, which are typically printed on the spine. Non-fiction books follow the DDC strictly, while fiction is often organized alphabetically by author. Special prefixes like "REF" (Reference) or "BIO" (Biography) may indicate separate sections.
Examples of DDC Classifications
Here are some real-world examples to demonstrate the system's application:
1. A book on tigers: Classified under 599.756. 500: Natural sciences.
- 590: Zoology.
- 599: Mammals.
- 599.7: Carnivores.
- 599.75: Felidae (cats).
- 599.756: Tigers specifically
2. A cookbook on Italian cuisine: 641.5945.600: Technology.
- 640: Home economics.
- 641: Food and drink.
- 641.5: Cooking.
- 641.59: Cooking by region.
- 641.594: European cooking.
- 641.5945: Italian cooking.
3. A biography of Abraham Lincoln: Often in 973.7092 (U.S. history during the Civil War era) or under BIO/LIN, depending on the library's conventions.
- Biographies may use 920–929 or integrate into historical classes.
4. Computer programming basics: 005.1.
- 000: Generalities.
- 005: Computer programming, programs, data.
- 005.1: Programming fundamentals.
These examples show how the DDC allows users to browse related topics easily—books on similar subjects are shelved together.
ADVANTAGES, BENEFITS, AND GLOBAL USAGE OF DDC
The DDC's strengths lie in its flexibility and universality. Its decimal structure permits endless subdivisions, adapting to new fields like computer science (added in later editions). It's particularly user-friendly for public and school libraries, where patrons can intuitively navigate from broad to specific topics. However, critics note biases in its original design, such as a Western-centric focus (e.g., more space for Christianity than other religions), though revisions have addressed some issues. Alternatives like the Library of Congress Classification are preferred in academic libraries for greater detail. Today, abridged versions suit smaller libraries, and digital tools like WebDewey enhance cataloging efficiency.
Benefits of DDC:
- Universality: Its widespread adoption allows for easier sharing of resources and understanding of library collections across different institutions globally.
- Browsability: The logical grouping of subjects makes it easy for patrons to discover related materials by browsing shelves.
- Flexibility: The decimal system allows for continuous expansion and adaptation to new fields of knowledge.
- Simplicity (Relative): While it can appear complex initially, its basic structure of ten main classes is relatively easy to grasp.
LIMITATIONS OF DDC
- Bias toward Western knowledge
- Limited hospitality for interdisciplinary subjects
- Less suitable for very large academic or research libraries
CONCLUSION
The Dewey Decimal Classification remains a cornerstone of library organization, bridging the gap between vast knowledge repositories and curious users. DDC is a remarkably effective and widely used tool for organizing knowledge. Its simplicity, logical structure, and flexibility make it ideal for general libraries. Despite certain limitations, DDC continues to evolve, reflecting changes in knowledge and information organization. Its hierarchical structure, decimal expansion, and comprehensive indexing enable libraries to manage vast collections, making information accessible to millions of users worldwide. It is a testament to Melvil Dewey's foresight and the enduring power of systematic organization.
DDC TIMELINE
Since the publication of its first edition in 1876, the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system has crossed many milestones. Many of these milestones have advanced the organization of library collections to help librarians meet their users' information needs more efficiently.
1876 A Classification and Subject Index for Cataloguing and Arranging Books and Pamphlets of a Library—the first edition of the DDC—is published anonymously in Amherst, Massachusetts.
1885 Second edition of the DDC is published under Melvil Dewey's name.
1900 The first abridged edition of the DDC is published.
1911 The seventh edition of the DDC is published, which is the first to carry the Forest Press imprint.
1916 The Decimal Classification Advisory Committee—the American Library Association's (ALA) first advisory committee—is appointed.
1927 The DDC editorial office moves to the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
1930 The Library of Congress begins to print Dewey numbers on catalog cards.
1931 Melvil Dewey, creator of the DDC, dies December 26 at age 80.
1937 The Decimal Classification Committee, a forerunner to the present-day Dewey Decimal Classification Editorial Policy Committee, is established.
1953 The Dewey Decimal Classification Editorial Policy Committee is reconstituted to represent the American Library Association, Forest Press and the Library of Congress to guide to editorial development of the DDC.
1958 The 16th edition of the DDC is published, which is the first to be edited under an agreement between the Library of Congress and Forest Press.
1988 Forest Press, based in Albany, New York, becomes a division of OCLC.
1993 OCLC Forest Press publishes Electronic Dewey, the first library classification scheme in electronic form.
1996 The 21st edition of the DDC and Dewey for Windows® are published, which is the first time print and electronic formats are published simultaneously.
1999 The OCLC Forest Press office moves from Albany, New York, to OCLC headquarters in Dublin, Ohio; three years later, the Forest Press imprint is retired.
2000 WebDewey in CORC is published.
2002 WebDewey and Abridged WebDewey are published.
2003 The 22nd edition of the DDC is published.
2004 The 14th edition of the Abridged DDC is published.
2005 The German edition of DDC 22 is published.
2007 EDUG (European DDC Users Group) was established.
2009 The Italian edition of DDC 22 is published.
2011 WebDewey 2.0 is released.
2011 The 23rd Edition of the DDC is published.
2011 Swedish WebDewey is released.
2012 The 15th Abridged Edition of the of the DDC is published.
2012 Electre Guide (a French abridgement) of DDC 23 is published.
2012 German WebDewey is released.
2013 The Vietnamese edition of DDC 23 is published.
2014 Italian WebDewey is released.
2015 The French edition of DDC 23 is published.
2015 Norwegian WebDewey is released.
2015 French WebDewey is released.
2017 The Spanish edition of DDC 22 is published.
2018 OCLC introduces Dewey print-on-demand (a print copy of the DDC).
2024 OCLC releases Dewey linked data.
LIST OF DDC CLASSES
The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is structured around ten main classes covering the entire world of knowledge; each main class is further structured into ten hierarchical divisions, each having ten divisions of increasing specificity. As a system of library classification the DDC is "arranged by discipline, not subject", so a topic like clothing is classed based on its disciplinary treatment (psychological influence of clothing at 155.95, customs associated with clothing at 391, and fashion design of clothing at 746.92) within the conceptual framework. The list below presents the ten main classes, hundred divisions, and thousand sections.
Class 000 – Computer science, information, and general works
000 Computer science, knowledge, and systems
000 Computer science, information and general works
001 Knowledge
002 The book (writing, libraries, and book-related topics)
003 Systems
004 Data processing and computer science
005 Computer programming, programs, and data
006 Special computer methods (e.g. AI, multimedia, VR)[4]
007–009 [Unassigned]
010 Bibliographies
010 Bibliography
011 Bibliographies
012 Bibliographies of individuals
013 [Unassigned]
014 Bibliographies of anonymous and pseudonymous works
015 Bibliographies of works from specific places
016 Bibliographies of works on specific subjects
017 General subject catalogs
018 Catalogs arranged by author, date, etc. [moved to 017]
019 Dictionary catalogs [moved to 017]
020 Library and information sciences
020 Library and information sciences
021 Library relationships (with archives, information centers, etc.)
022 Administration of physical plant
023 Personnel management
024 [Unassigned]
025 Library operations
026 Libraries for specific subjects
027 General libraries
028 Reading and use of other information media
029 [Unassigned]
030 Encyclopedias and books of facts
030 General encyclopedic works
031 Encyclopedias in American English
032 Encyclopedias in English
033 Encyclopedias in other Germanic languages
034 Encyclopedias in French, Occitan, and Catalan
035 Encyclopedias in Italian, Romanian, and related languages
036 Encyclopedias in Spanish and Portuguese
037 Encyclopedias in Slavic languages
038 Encyclopedias in Scandinavian languages
039 Encyclopedias in other languages
040 Unassigned — formerly Biographies
050 Magazines, journals and serials
050 General serial publications
051 Serials in American English
052 Serials in English
053 Serials in other Germanic languages
054 Serials in French, Occitan, and Catalan
055 Serials in Italian, Romanian, and related languages
056 Serials in Spanish and Portuguese
057 Serials in Slavic languages
058 Serials in Scandinavian languages
059 Serials in other languages
060 Associations, organizations and museums
060 General organizations and museum science
061 Organizations in North America
062 Organizations in British Isles; in England
063 Organizations in central Europe; in Germany
064 Organizations in France and Monaco
065 Organizations in Italy and adjacent islands
066 Organizations in Iberian Peninsula and adjacent islands
067 Organizations in eastern Europe; in Russia
068 Organizations in other geographic areas
069 Museum science
070 News media, journalism, and publishing
070 News media, journalism, and publishing
071 Newspapers in North America
072 Newspapers in British Isles; in England
073 Newspapers in central Europe; in Germany
074 Newspapers in France and Monaco
075 Newspapers in Italy and adjacent islands
076 Newspapers in Iberian peninsula and adjacent islands
077 Newspapers in eastern Europe; in Russia
078 Newspapers in Scandinavia
079 Newspapers in other geographic areas
080 Quotations
080 General collections
081 Collections in American English
082 Collections in English
083 Collections in other Germanic languages
084 Collections in French, Occitan, Catalan
085 Collections in Italian, Romanian, and related languages
086 Collections in Spanish and Portuguese
087 Collections in Slavic languages
088 Collections in Scandinavian languages
089 Collections in other languages
090 Manuscripts and rare books
090 Manuscripts and rare books
091 Manuscripts
092 Block books
093 Incunabula
094 Printed books
095 Books notable for bindings
096 Books notable for illustrations
097 Books notable for ownership or origin
098 Prohibited works, forgeries, and hoaxes
099 Books notable for format
Class 100 – Philosophy and psychology
100 Philosophy
100 Philosophy and psychology
101 Theory of philosophy
102 Miscellany
103 Dictionaries and encyclopedias
104 No longer used — formerly Essays
105 Serial publications
106 Organizations and management
107 Education, research, related topics of philosophy
108 Groups of people
109 History and collected biography
110 Metaphysics
110 Metaphysics
111 Ontology
112 No longer used — formerly Methodology
113 Cosmology (Philosophy of nature)
114 Space
115 Time
116 Change
117 Structure
118 Force and energy
119 Number and quantity
120 Epistemology
120 Epistemology, causation, and humankind
121 Epistemology (theory of knowledge)
122 Causation
123 Determinism and indeterminism
124 Teleology
125 No longer used — formerly Infinity
126 The self
127 The unconscious and the subconscious
128 Humankind
129 Origin and destiny of individual souls
130 Parapsychology and occultism
130 Parapsychology and occultism
131 Parapsychological and occult methods for achieving well-being, happiness, success
132 No longer used — formerly Mental derangements
133 Specific topics in parapsychology and occultism
134 No longer used — formerly Mesmerism and clairvoyance
135 Dreams and mysteries
136 No longer used — formerly Mental characteristics
137 Divinatory graphology
138 Physiognomy
139 Phrenology
140 Philosophical schools of thought
140 Specific philosophical schools and viewpoints
141 Idealism and related systems and doctrines
142 Critical philosophy
143 Bergsonism and intuitionism
144 Humanism and related systems and doctrines
145 Sensationalism
146 Naturalism and related systems and doctrines
147 Pantheism and related systems and doctrines
148 Dogmatism, eclecticism, liberalism, syncretism, and traditionalism
149 Other philosophical systems and doctrines
150 Psychology
150 Psychology
151 No longer used — formerly Intellect
152 Sensory perception, movement, emotions, and physiological drives
153 Conscious mental processes and intelligence
154 Subconscious and altered states and processes
155 Differential and developmental psychology
156 Comparative psychology
157 No longer used — formerly Emotions
158 Applied psychology
159 No longer used — formerly Will
160 Philosophical logic
160 Philosophical logic
161 Induction
162 Deduction
163–164 Not assigned or no longer used
165 Fallacies and sources of error
166 Syllogisms
167 Hypotheses
168 Argument and persuasion
169 Analogy
170 Ethics
170 Ethics (moral philosophy)
171 Ethical systems
172 Political ethics
173 Ethics of family relationships
174 Occupational ethics
175 Ethics of recreation, leisure, public performances, communication
176 Ethics of sex and reproduction
177 Ethics of social relations
178 Ethics of consumption
179 Other ethical norms
180 Ancient, medieval, and Eastern philosophy
180 Ancient, medieval, Eastern philosophy
181 Eastern philosophy
182 Pre-Socratic Greek philosophies
183 Sophistic, Socratic, related Greek philosophies
184 Platonic philosophy
185 Aristotelian philosophy
186 Skeptic and Neoplatonic philosophies
187 Epicurean philosophy
188 Stoic philosophy
189 Medieval Western philosophy
190 Modern Western philosophy (19th-century, 20th-century)
190 Modern Western and other non-eastern philosophy
191 Philosophy of the United States and Canada
192 Philosophy of the British Isles
193 Philosophy of Germany and Austria
194 Philosophy of France
195 Philosophy of Italy
196 Philosophy of Spain and Portugal
197 Philosophy of Russia
198 Philosophy of Scandinavia and Finland
199 Philosophy in other geographic areas
Class 200 – Religion
200 Religion
200 Religion
201 Religious mythology, general classes of religion, interreligious relations and attitudes, social theology
202 Doctrines
203 Public worship and other practices
204 Religious experience, life, practice
205 Religious ethics
206 Leaders and organization
207 Missions and religious education
208 Sources
209 Sects and reform movements
210 Philosophy and theory of religion
210 Philosophy and theory of religion
211 Concepts of God
212 Existence, ways of knowing God, attributes of God
213 Creation
214 Theodicy
215 Science and religion
216 No longer used—formerly Evil
217 No longer used—formerly Prayer
218 Humankind
219 No longer used—formerly Analogies
220 The Bible
220 Bible
221 Old Testament (Tanakh)
222 Historical books of Old Testament
223 Poetic books of Old Testament
224 Prophetic books of Old Testament
225 New Testament
226 Gospels and Acts
227 Epistles
228 Revelation (Apocalypse)
229 Apocrypha, pseudepigrapha, and inter-testamental works
230 Christianity
230 Christianity
231 God
232 Jesus Christ and his family
233 Humankind
234 Salvation and grace
235 Spiritual beings
236 Eschatology
237 No longer used—formerly Future state
238 Creeds, confessions of faith, covenants, and catechisms
239 Apologetics and polemics
240 Christian practice and observance
240 Christian moral and devotional theology
241 Christian ethics
242 Devotional literature
243 Evangelistic writings for individuals and families
244 No longer used—formerly Religious fiction
245 No longer used—formerly Hymnology
246 Use of art in Christianity
247 Church furnishings and related articles
248 Christian experience, practice, life
249 Christian observances in family life
250 Christian orders and local church
250 Local Christian church and Christian religious orders
251 Preaching (Homiletics)
252 Texts of sermons
253 Pastoral office and work (Pastoral theology)
254 Parish administration
255 Religious congregations and orders
256 No longer used — formerly Religious societies
257 No longer used — formerly Parochial schools, libraries, etc.
258 No longer used — formerly Parochial medicine
259 Pastoral care of families, of specific groups of people
260 Social and ecclesiastical theology
260 Christian social and ecclesiastical theology
261 Social theology and interreligious relations and attitudes
262 Ecclesiology
263 Days, times, places of religious observance
264 Public worship
265 Sacraments, other rites and acts
266 Missions
267 Associations for religious work
268 Religious education
269 Spiritual renewal
270 History of Christianity
270 History, geographic treatment, biography of Christianity
271 Religious congregations and orders in church history
272 Persecutions in church history
273 Doctrinal controversies and heresies in general church history
274 Christianity in Europe
275 Christianity in Asia
276 Christianity in Africa
277 Christianity in North America
278 Christianity in South America
279 History of Christianity in other areas
280 Christian denominations
280 Denominations and sects of Christian church
281 Early church and Eastern churches
282 Roman Catholic Church
283 Anglican churches
284 Protestant denominations of continental origin (Lutheran, Continental Reformed)
285 Presbyterian churches, Reformed churches centered in America, Congregational churches
286 Baptist, Restoration Movement, Adventist churches
287 Methodist churches; churches related to Methodism
288 No longer used — formerly Unitarian
289 Other denominations and sects
290 Other religions
290 Other religions
291 No longer used — formerly Comparative religion
292 Classical religion (Greek and Roman religion)
293 Germanic religion
294 Religions of Indic origin
295 Zoroastrianism (Mazdaism, Parseeism)
296 Judaism
297 Islam, Bábism, and Baháʼí Faith
298 No longer used — formerly Mormonism
299 Religions not provided for elsewhere
Class 300 – Social sciences
300 Social sciences, sociology, and anthropology
300 Social sciences
301 Sociology and anthropology
302 Social interaction
303 Social processes
304 Factors affecting social behavior
305 Groups of people
306 Culture and institutions
307 Communities
308 No longer used — formerly Polygraphy
309 No longer used — formerly History of sociology
310 Statistics
310 Collections of general statistics
311 No longer used — formerly Theory and methods
312 No longer used — formerly Population
313 No longer used — formerly Special topics
314 General statistics of Europe
315 General statistics of Asia
316 General statistics of Africa
317 General statistics of North America
318 General statistics of South America
319 General statistics of Australasia, Pacific Ocean islands, Atlantic Ocean islands, Arctic islands, Antarctica
320 Political science
320 Political science (politics and government)
321 Systems of governments and states
322 Relation of state to organized groups and their members
323 Civil and political rights
324 Political process
325 International migration and colonization
326 Slavery and emancipation
327 International relations
328 The legislative process
329 No longer used— formerly Political parties
330 Economics
330 Economics
331 Labor economics
332 Financial economics
333 Economics of land and energy
334 Cooperatives
335 Socialism and related systems
336 Public finance
337 International economics
338 Production
339 Macroeconomics and related topics
340 Law
340 Law
341 Law of nations
342 Constitutional and administrative law
343 Military, defense, public property, public finance, tax, commerce (trade), industrial law
344 Labor, social service, education, cultural law
345 Criminal law
346 Private law
347 Procedure and courts
348 Laws, regulations, cases
349 Law of specific jurisdictions, areas, socioeconomic regions, regional intergovernmental organizations
350 Public administration and military science
350 Public administration and military science
351 Public administration
352 General considerations of public administration
353 Specific fields of public administration
354 Public administration of economy and environment
355 Military science
356 Foot forces and warfare
357 Mounted forces and warfare
358 Air and other specialized forces and warfare; engineering and related services
359 Sea forces and warfare
360 Social problems and social services
360 Social problems and services; associations
361 Social problems and services
362 Social problems of and services to groups of people
363 Other social problems and services
364 Criminology
365 Penal and related institutions
366 Secret associations and societies
367 General clubs
368 Insurance
369 Associations
370 Education
370 Education
371 Schools and their activities, special education
372 Primary education (elementary education)
373 Secondary education
374 Adult education
375 Curriculum
376 No longer used — formerly Education of women
377 No longer used — formerly Ethical education
378 Higher education (tertiary education)
379 Public policy issues in education
380 Commerce, communications and transportation
380 Commerce, communications, transportation
381 Commerce (trade)
382 International commerce (foreign trade)
383 Postal communication
384 Communications
385 Railroad transportation
386 Inland waterway and ferry transportation
387 Water, air, space transportation
388 Transportation
389 Metrology and standardization
390 Customs, etiquette and folklore
390 Customs, etiquette, folklore
391 Costume and personal appearance
392 Customs of life cycle and domestic life
393 Death customs
394 General customs
395 Etiquette (manners)
396 No longer used — formerly Women's position and treatment
397 No longer used — formerly Outcast studies
398 Folklore
399 Customs of war and diplomacy
Class 400 – Language
400 Language
400 Language
401 Philosophy and theory, international languages
402 Miscellany
403 Dictionaries, encyclopedias, concordances
404 Special topics of language
405 Serial publications
406 Organizations and management
407 Education, research, related topics
408 Groups of people
409 Geographic treatment and biography
410 Linguistics
410 Linguistics
411 Writing systems of standard forms of languages
412 Etymology of standard forms of languages
413 Dictionaries of standard forms of languages
414 Phonology and phonetics of standard forms of languages
415 Grammar of standard forms of languages
416 No longer used — formerly Prosody
417 Dialectology and historical linguistics
418 Standard usage (Prescriptive linguistics)
419 Sign languages
420 English and Old English languages
420 English and Old English (Anglo-Saxon)
421 Writing system, phonology, phonetics of standard English
422 Etymology of standard English
423 Dictionaries of standard English
424 No longer used — formerly English thesauruses
425 Grammar of standard English
426 No longer used — formerly English prosodies
427 Historical and geographical variations, modern nongeographic variations of English
428 Standard English usage (Prescriptive linguistics)
429 Old English (Anglo-Saxon)
430 German and related languages
430 German and related languages
431 Writing systems, phonology, phonetics of standard German
432 Etymology of standard German
433 Dictionaries of standard German
434 Not assigned or no longer used
435 Grammar of standard German
436 Not assigned or no longer used
437 Historical and geographic variations, modern nongeographic variations of German
438 Standard German usage (Prescriptive linguistics)
439 Other Germanic languages
440 French and related languages
440 French and related Romance languages
441 Writing systems, phonology, phonetics of standard French
442 Etymology of standard French
443 Dictionaries of standard French
444 Not assigned or no longer used
445 Grammar of standard French
446 Not assigned or no longer used
447 Historical and geographic variations, modern nongeographic variations of French
448 Standard French usage (Prescriptive linguistics)
449 Occitan Catalan, Franco-Provençal
450 Italian, Romanian and related languages
450 Italian, Dalmatian, Romanian, Rhaetian, Sardinian, Corsican
451 Writing systems, phonology, phonetics of standard Italian
452 Etymology of standard Italian
453 Dictionaries of standard Italian
454 Not assigned or no longer used
455 Grammar of standard Italian
456 Not assigned or no longer used
457 Historical and geographic variations, modern nongeographic variations of Italian
458 Standard Italian usage (Prescriptive linguistics)
459 Romanian, Rhaetian, Sardinian, Corsican
460 Spanish, Portuguese, Galician
460 Spanish, Portuguese, Galician
461 Writing systems, phonology, phonetics of standard Spanish
462 Etymology of standard Spanish
463 Dictionaries of standard Spanish
464 Not assigned or no longer used
465 Grammar of standard Spanish
466 Not assigned or no longer used
467 Historical and geographic variations, modern nongeographic variations of Spanish
468 Standard Spanish usage (Prescriptive linguistics)
469 Portuguese
470 Latin and Italic languages
470 Latin and related Italic languages
471 Writing systems, phonology, phonetics of classical Latin
472 Etymology of classical Latin
473 Dictionaries of classical Latin
474 Not assigned or no longer used
475 Grammar of classical Latin
476 Not assigned or no longer used
477 Old, postclassical, vulgar Latin
478 Classical Latin usage (Prescriptive linguistics)
479 Other Italic languages
480 Classical and modern Greek languages
480 Classical Greek and related Hellenic languages
481 Writing systems, phonology, phonetics of classical Greek
482 Etymology of classical Greek
483 Dictionaries of classical Greek
484 Not assigned or no longer used
485 Grammar of classical Greek
486 Not assigned or no longer used
487 Preclassical and postclassical Greek
488 Classical Greek usage (Prescriptive linguistics)
489 Other Hellenic languages
490 Other languages
490 Other languages
491 East Indo-European and Celtic languages
492 Afro-Asiatic languages
493 Non-Semitic Afro-Asiatic languages
494 Altaic, Uralic, Hyperborean, Dravidian languages, miscellaneous languages of South Asia
495 Languages of East Asia and Southeast Asia
496 African languages
497 North American native languages
498 South American native languages
499 Non-Austronesian languages of Oceania, Austronesian languages, miscellaneous languages
Class 500 – Science
500 Science
500 Natural sciences and mathematics
501 Philosophy and theory
502 Miscellany
503 Dictionaries, encyclopedias, concordances
504 Not assigned or no longer used
505 Serial publications
506 Organizations and management
507 Education, research, related topics
508 Natural history
509 History, geographic treatment, biography
510 Mathematics
510 Mathematics
511 General principles of mathematics
512 Algebra
513 Arithmetic
514 Topology
515 Analysis
516 Geometry
517 Not assigned or no longer used
518 Numerical analysis
519 Probabilities and applied mathematics
520 Astronomy
520 Astronomy and allied sciences
521 Celestial mechanics
522 Techniques, procedures, apparatus, equipment, materials
523 Specific celestial bodies and phenomena
524 Not assigned or no longer used
525 Earth (Astronomical geography)
526 Mathematical geography
527 Celestial navigation
528 Ephemerides
529 Chronology
530 Physics
530 Physics
531 Classical mechanics
532 Fluid mechanics
533 Pneumatics (Gas mechanics)
534 Sound and related vibrations
535 Light and related radiation
536 Heat
537 Electricity and electronics
538 Magnetism
539 Modern physics
540 Chemistry
540 Chemistry and allied sciences
541 Physical chemistry
542 Techniques, procedures, apparatus, equipment, materials
543 Analytical chemistry
544 No longer used — formerly Qualitative analysis
545 No longer used — formerly Quantitative analysis
546 Inorganic chemistry
547 Organic chemistry
548 Crystallography
549 Mineralogy
550 Earth sciences and geology
550 Earth sciences
551 Geology, hydrology, meteorology
552 Petrology
553 Economic geology
554 Earth sciences of Europe
555 Earth sciences of Asia
556 Earth sciences of Africa
557 Earth sciences of North America
558 Earth sciences of South America
559 Earth sciences of Australasia, Pacific Ocean islands, Atlantic Ocean islands, Arctic islands, Antarctica, extraterrestrial worlds
560 Fossils and prehistoric life
560 Paleontology
561 Paleobotany, fossil microorganisms
562 Fossil invertebrates
563 Miscellaneous fossil marine and seashore invertebrates
564 Fossil Mollusca and Molluscoidea
565 Fossil Arthropoda
566 Fossil Chordata
567 Fossil cold-blooded vertebrates
568 Fossil Aves (birds)
569 Fossil Mammalia
570 Biology
570 Biology
571 Physiology and related subjects
572 Biochemistry
573 Specific physiological systems in animals, regional histology and physiology in animals
574 Not assigned or no longer used
575 Specific parts of and physiological systems in plants
576 Genetics and evolution
577 Ecology
578 Natural history of organisms and related subjects
579 Natural history of microorganisms, fungi, algae
580 Plants
580 Plants
581 Specific topics in natural history of plants
582 Plants noted for specific vegetative characteristics and flowers
583 Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledones)
584 Liliopsida (Monocotyledones)
585 Pinophyta (Gymnosperms)
586 Cryptogamia (seedless plants)
587 Pteridophyta
588 Bryophyta
589 No longer used—formerly Forestry
590 Animals (Zoology)
590 Animals
591 Specific topics in natural history of animals
592 Invertebrates
593 Miscellaneous marine and seashore invertebrates
594 Mollusca and Molluscoidea
595 Arthropoda
596 Chordata
597 Cold-blooded vertebrates
598 Aves (birds)
599 Mammalia (mammals)
Class 600 – Technology
600 Technology
600 Technology (applied sciences)
601 Philosophy and theory
602 Miscellany
603 Dictionaries, encyclopedias, concordances
604 Technical drawing, hazardous materials technology; groups of people
605 Serial publications
606 Organizations
607 Education, research, related topics
608 Patents
609 History, geographic treatment, biography
610 Medicine and health
610 Medicine and health
611 Human anatomy, cytology, histology
612 Human physiology
613 Personal health and safety
614 Forensic medicine; incidence of injuries, wounds, disease; public preventive medicine
615 Pharmacology and therapeutics
616 Diseases
617 Surgery, regional medicine, dentistry, ophthalmology, otology, audiology
618 Gynecology, obstetrics, pediatrics, geriatrics
619 No longer used—formerly Experimental medicine
620 Engineering
620 Engineering and applied operations
621 Applied physics
622 Mining and related operations
623 Military and nautical engineering
624 Civil engineering
625 Engineering of railroads, roads
626 Not assigned or no longer used
627 Hydraulic engineering
628 Sanitary engineering
629 Other branches of engineering
630 Agriculture
630 Agriculture and related technologies
631 Specific techniques; apparatus, equipment, materials
632 Plant injuries, diseases, pests
633 Field and plantation crops
634 Orchards, fruits, forestry
635 Garden crops (horticulture)
636 Animal husbandry
637 Processing dairy and related products
638 Insect culture
639 Hunting, fishing, conservation, related technologies
640 Home and family management
640 Home and family management
641 Food and drink
642 Meals and table service
643 Housing and household equipment
644 Household utilities
645 Household furnishings
646 Sewing, clothing, management of personal and family life
647 Management of public households (institutional housekeeping)
648 Housekeeping
649 Child rearing; home care of people with disabilities and illnesses
650 Management and public relations
650 Management and auxiliary services
651 Office services
652 Processes of written communication
653 Shorthand
654–656 Not assigned or no longer used
657 Accounting
658 General management
659 Advertising and public relations
660 Chemical engineering
660 Chemical engineering and related technologies
661 Technology of industrial chemicals
662 Technology of explosives, fuels, related products
663 Beverage technology
664 Food technology
665 Technology of industrial oils, fats, waxes, gases
666 Ceramic and allied technologies
667 Cleaning, color, coating, related technologies
668 Technology of other organic products
669 Metallurgy
670 Manufacturing
670 Manufacturing
671 Metalworking processes and primary metal products
672 Iron, steel, other iron alloys
673 Nonferrous metals
674 Lumber processing, wood products, cork
675 Leather processing and fur processing
676 Pulp and paper technology
677 Textiles
678 Elastomers and elastomer products
679 Other products of specific kinds of materials
680 Manufacture for specific uses
680 Manufacture of products for specific uses
681 Precision instruments and other devices
682 Small forge work (blacksmithing)
683 Hardware and household appliances
684 Furnishings and home workshops
685 Leather and fur goods, and related products
686 Printing and related activities
687 Clothing and accessories
688 Other final products, and packaging technology
689 Not assigned or no longer used
690 Construction of buildings
690 Construction of buildings
691 Building materials
692 Auxiliary construction practices
693 Construction in specific types of materials and for specific purposes
694 Wood construction
695 Roof covering
696 Utilities
697 Heating, ventilating, air-conditioning engineering
698 Detail finishing
699 Not assigned or no longer used
Class 700 – Arts and recreation
700 Arts
700 The arts
701 Philosophy and theory of fine arts and decorative arts
702 Miscellany of fine and decorative arts
703 Dictionaries, encyclopedias, concordances of fine and decorative arts
704 Special topics in fine and decorative arts
705 Serial publications of fine and decorative arts
706 Organizations and management of fine and decorative arts
707 Education, research, related topics of fine and decorative arts
708 Galleries, museums, private collections of fine and decorative arts
709 History, geographic treatment, biography
710 Area planning and landscape architecture
710 Area planning and landscape architecture
711 Area planning (civic art)
712 Landscape architecture (Landscape design)
713 Landscape architecture of trafficways
714 Water features in landscape architecture
715 Woody plants in landscape architecture
716 Herbaceous plants in landscape architecture
717 Structures in landscape architecture
718 Landscape design of cemeteries
719 Natural landscapes
720 Architecture
720 Architecture
721 Architectural materials and structural elements
722 Architecture from earliest times to c. 300
723 Architecture from c. 300 to 1399
724 Architecture from 1400
725 Public structures
726 Buildings for religious and related purposes
727 Buildings for educational and research purposes
728 Residential and related buildings
729 Design and decoration of structures and accessories
730 Sculpture, ceramics and metalwork
730 Sculpture and related arts
731 Processes, forms, subjects of sculpture
732 Sculpture from earliest times to c. 500, sculpture of non-literate peoples
733 Greek, Etruscan, Roman sculpture
734 Sculpture from ca 500 to 1399
735 Sculpture from 1400
736 Carving and carvings
737 Numismatics and sigillography
738 Ceramic arts
739 Art metalwork
740 Graphic arts and decorative arts
740 Graphic arts
741 Drawing and drawings
742 Perspective in drawing
743 Drawing and drawings by subject
744 Communication design and visual design (proposed[5])
745 Decorative arts
746 Textile arts
747 Interior decoration
748 Glass
749 Furniture and accessories
750 Painting
750 Painting and paintings
751 Techniques, procedures, apparatus, equipment, materials, forms
752 Color
753 Symbolism, allegory, mythology, legend
754 Genre paintings
755 Religion
756 Not assigned or no longer used
757 Human figures
758 Nature, architectural subjects and cityscapes, other specific subjects
759 History, geographic treatment, biography
760 Printmaking and prints
760 Printmaking and prints
761 Relief processes (block printing)
762 Not assigned or no longer used
763 Lithographic processes (planographic processes)
764 Chromolithography and serigraphy
765 Metal engraving
766 Mezzotinting, aquatinting, and related processes
767 Etching and drypoint
768 Not assigned or no longer used
769 Prints
770 Photography, computer art, film, video
770 Photography, computer art, cinematography, videography
771 Techniques, procedures, apparatus, equipment, materials
772 Metallic salt processes
773 Pigment processes of printing
774 No longer used—formerly Holography
775 No longer used—formerly Digital photography
776 Computer art (digital art)
777 Cinematography and videography
778 Specific fields and special kinds of photography
779 Photographic images
780 Music
780 Music
781 General principles and musical forms
782 Vocal music
783 Music for single voices
784 Instruments and Instrumental ensembles and their music
785 Ensembles with only one instrument per part
786 Keyboard, mechanical, electrophonic, percussion instruments
787 Stringed instruments (chordophones)
788 Wind instruments (aerophones)
789 Not assigned or no longer used
790 Sports, games and entertainment
790 Recreational arts and performing arts
791 Public performances
792 Stage presentations
793 Indoor games and amusements
794 Indoor games of skill
795 Games of chance
796 Athletic and outdoor sports and games
797 Aquatic sports and air sports
798 Equestrian sports and animal racing
799 Fishing, hunting, shooting
Class 800 – Literature
800 Literature, rhetoric and criticism
800 Literature (Belles-lettres) and rhetoric
801 Philosophy and theory
802 Miscellany
803 Dictionaries, encyclopedias, concordances
804 Not assigned or no longer used
805 Serial publications
806 Organizations and management
807 Education, research, related topics
808 Rhetoric and collections of literary texts from more than two literatures
809 History, description, critical appraisal of more than two literatures
810 American literature in English
810 American literature in English
811 American poetry in English
812 American drama in English
813 American fiction in English
814 American essays in English
815 American speeches in English
816 American letters in English
817 American humor and satire in English
818 American miscellaneous writings in English
819 No longer used—formerly Puzzle activities
820 English and Old English literatures
820 English and Old English (Anglo-Saxon) literatures
821 English poetry
822 English drama
823 English fiction
824 English essays
825 English speeches
826 English letters
827 English humor and satire
828 English miscellaneous writings
829 Old English (Anglo-Saxon) literature
830 German and related literatures
830 German literature and literatures of related languages
831 German poetry
832 German drama
833 German fiction
834 German essays
835 German speeches
836 German letters
837 German humor and satire
838 German miscellaneous writings
839 Other Germanic literatures
840 French and related literatures
840 French literature and literatures of related Romance languages
841 French poetry
842 French drama
843 French fiction
844 French essays
845 French speeches
846 French letters
847 French humor and satire
848 French miscellaneous writings
849 Occitan, Catalan, Franco-Provençal literatures
850 Italian, Romanian and related literatures
850 Literatures of Italian, Dalmatian, Romanian, Rhaetian, Sardinian, Corsican languages
851 Italian poetry
852 Italian drama
853 Italian fiction
854 Italian essays
855 Italian speeches
856 Italian letters
857 Italian humor and satire
858 Italian miscellaneous writings
859 Literatures of Romanian, Rhaetian, Sardinian, Corsican languages
860 Spanish, Portuguese, Galician literatures
860 Literatures of Spanish, Portuguese, Galician languages
861 Spanish poetry
862 Spanish drama
863 Spanish fiction
864 Spanish essays
865 Spanish speeches
866 Spanish letters
867 Spanish humor and satire
868 Spanish miscellaneous writings
869 Literatures of Portuguese and Galician languages
870 Latin and Italic literatures
870 Latin literature and literatures of related Italic languages
871 Latin poetry
872 Latin dramatic poetry and drama
873 Latin epic poetry and fiction
874 Latin lyric poetry
875 Latin speeches
876 Latin letters
877 Latin humor and satire
878 Latin miscellaneous writings
879 Literatures of other Italic languages
880 Classical and modern Greek literatures
880 Classical Greek literature and literatures of related Hellenic languages
881 Classical Greek poetry
882 Classical Greek drama
883 Classical Greek epic poetry and fiction
884 Classical Greek lyric poetry
885 Classical Greek speeches
886 Classical Greek letters
887 Classical Greek humor and satire
888 Classical Greek miscellaneous writings
889 Modern Greek literature
890 Other literatures
890 Literatures of other specific languages and language families
891 East Indo-European and Celtic literatures
892 Afro-Asiatic literatures
893 Non-Semitic Afro-Asiatic literatures
894 Literatures of Altaic, Uralic, Hyperborean, Dravidian languages; literatures of miscellaneous languages of South Asia
895 Literatures of East and Southeast Asia
896 African literatures
897 Literatures of North American native languages
898 Literatures of South American native languages
899 Literatures of non-Austronesian languages of Oceania, of Austronesian languages, of miscellaneous languages
Class 900 – History and geography
900 History
900 History, geography, and auxiliary disciplines
901 Philosophy and theory of history
902 Miscellany of history
903 Dictionaries, encyclopedias, concordances of history
904 Collected accounts of events
905 Serial publications of history
906 Organizations and management of history
907 Education, research, related topics of history
908 History with respect to groups of people
909 World history
910 Geography and travel
910 Geography and travel
911 Historical geography
912 Graphic representations of surface of Earth and of extraterrestrial worlds
913 Geography of and travel in the ancient world
914 Geography of and travel in Europe
915 Geography of and travel in Asia
916 Geography of and travel in Africa
917 Geography of and travel in North America
918 Geography of and travel in South America
919 Geography of and travel in Australasia, Pacific Ocean islands, Atlantic Ocean islands, Arctic islands, Antarctica, and on extraterrestrial worlds
920 Biography and genealogy
920 Biography, genealogy, insignia
921–928 This range is reserved as an optional location for biographies, which are shelved alphabetically by subject's last name.
929 Genealogy, names, insignia
930 History of ancient world (to c. 499)
930 History of ancient world to c. 499
931 China to 420
932 Egypt to 640
933 Palestine to 70
934 South Asia to 647
935 Mesopotamia and Iranian Plateau to 637
936 Europe north and west of Italian Peninsula to c. 499
937 Italy and adjacent territories to 476
938 Greece to 323
939 Other parts of ancient world
940 History of Europe
940 History of Europe
941 British Isles
942 England and Wales
943 Germany and neighboring central European countries
944 France and Monaco
945 Italy, San Marino, Vatican City, Malta
946 Spain, Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal
947 Russia and neighboring east European countries
948 Scandinavia
949 Other parts of Europe
950 History of Asia
950 History of Asia
951 China and adjacent areas
952 Japan
953 Arabian Peninsula and adjacent areas
954 India and neighboring south Asian countries
955 Iran
956 Middle East (near East)
957 Siberia (Asiatic Russia)
958 Central Asia
959 Southeast Asia
960 History of Africa
960 History of Africa
961 Tunisia and Libya
962 Egypt, Sudan, South Sudan
963 Ethiopia and Eritrea
964 Morocco, Ceuta, Melilla, Western Sahara, Canary Islands
965 Algeria
966 West Africa and offshore islands
967 Central Africa and offshore islands
968 South Africa and southern Africa
969 South Indian Ocean islands
970 History of North America
970 History of North America
971 Canada
972 Mexico, Central America, West Indies, Bermuda
973 United States
974 Northeastern United States (New England and Middle Atlantic states)
975 Southeastern United States (South Atlantic states)
976 South central United States
977 North central United States
978 Western United States
979 Great Basin and Pacific Slope region of United States
980 History of South America
980 History of South America
981 Brazil
982 Argentina
983 Chile
984 Bolivia
985 Peru
986 Colombia and Ecuador
987 Venezuela
988 Guiana
989 Paraguay and Uruguay
990 History of other areas
990 History of Australasia, Pacific Ocean islands, Atlantic Ocean islands, Arctic islands, Antarctica, extraterrestrial worlds
991–992 Not assigned or no longer used
993 New Zealand
994 Australia
995 New Guinea and neighboring countries of Melanesia
996 Polynesia and other Pacific Ocean islands
997 Atlantic Ocean islands
998 Arctic islands and Antarctica
999 Extraterrestrial worlds
- Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)
- Salman Haider
- Librarianship Studies & Information Technology
- https://www.librarianshipstudies.com/2026/01/dewey-decimal-classification-ddc.html
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