Welcome to my Blog...: Chapter 3: The difference between Library of Congress Classification (LCC) and Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)

Generally, books and materials in the library are classified by form of materials and by subject for ease of use.

Classification System's the systematic arrangement of books and other materials into groups or classes. Libraries use classification systems to locate information resources.

Dewey Decimal Classification System

DDC was developed by Melvil Dewey, an American librarian.

DDC is used by small and medium-sized libraries, e.g. school libraries, and public libraries.

DDC is subject-related hierarchically and mnemonically organized by discipline.

DDC divides knowledge into 10 major classes:

             000    Generalities
             100     Philosophy and related disciplines
             200    Religion
             300    Social sciences
             400    Language
             500    Pure science
             600    Technology (Applied science)
             700    Arts
             800    Literature
             900    Geography and history

Each class is subdivided by two additional numerals and a decimal point, eg. 300 Social sciences.

Library of Congress Classification System

LC was drawn up by Herbert Putnam.

LC is used by large-sized libraries, e.g. academic libraries and special libraries.

LC divides knowledge into 21 main classes, and uses both letters and numerals.

             A         General Works
             B         Philosophy, Psychology, Religion
             C         Auxiliary Sciences of History
             D         History: General and Old World
             E-F      History: America
             G         Geography, Anthropology, Recreation
             H         Social Sciences
             J          Political Science
             K          Law
             L          Education

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