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" To learn to classify is in itself an education " — Alkx. Bain

ABRIDGED

Decimal Classification

and

Relativ Index

for libraries, clippings, notes, etc.

Melvil Dewey, M. A. (Amhersf)

Director New York State Library and Library School
Library Bureau

BOSTON : 530 Atlantic Ave.
NEW YORK: 316 Broadway CHICAGO: 2x5 Madison St.

PHILADELPHIA: 112-116 N. Broad St. WASHINGTON, D. C. : 928 F St., N. W.

LONDON, W. C: 10 Bloomsbury St.

3*%

S3&

CONTENTS

PAGE

Explanation 3-24

Change to full form .... 3

Plan 3

Summaries 4

Tables 4

Choiceand arrangement of heads 5

Sequence of allied subjects . 5

Coordination 5

Catch titles 5

Form distinctions 6

Mnemonics 6

Relativ subject index .... 7

What the relativ index includes 8

Relativ location 8

Sizes on shelves 10

Catalogs 10-it

Name catalog 10

Shelf-list 10

Subject catalog 11

Dictionary catalog .... 11
Suggestions to users . . . .11-17

Numeration n

Number of figures used in class

numbers 11

PAGfc

Suggestions (continued)

Familiarity with tables ... 12

Use of index 13

How to determin subject of book 13

Assigning class numbers . . 14

Book numbers 17

Variations practicable . . . .18-22

Cautions 18

Letter notations for changes . 19

Fiction and juvenils ... 19

Biografy 20

Parallel libraries .... 20
Combining language and liter-

ture 21

Broken order 21

Pro and con division of topics . 22

Unassigned numbers .... 22

Other uses 23

Bookstores 23

Scrap-books 23

Index rerums 23

Topical indexes 24

Tables 25-74

Index 75-192

708093

yj l\

The simplified spellings used in this book are selected from the list recommended
for general adoption by the foremost living scholars in English and by the latest and
most authoratativ dictionaries; i. e. the English philoiogical society, the American
philological association and the Century and Standard dictionaries. The latter gives
all the amended forms in alfabetic order among its regular entries, while the Century
and all issues of Webster since 1894 append the full list of 3,500 words.

Abridged Decimal Classification"

EXPLANATION

Before beginning to use the classification at least the paragrafs in large type
should be carefully read. Those interested will find still fuller explanation in the
smaller type.

This abridgment is made in answer to a strong demand
for a short form adapted to the needs of small and slowly
growing libraries. They wish short class numbers, but it
is a mistake to assume that they will have only works on
general subjects. Even the smallest library is likely to have
a few books or pamflets on the most specific topics of the
omitted subheads, and as these minor subjects will differ in
each library, it is obviously impossible to make any abridged
classification that will meet every want. Cases will cer-
tainly arise that can be met only by the unabridged classifi-
cation, which aims to include all subjects treated in books,
pamflets, or articles.

(See also Relativ subject index, p. 7 ; Use of index,

P- x3-)

Change from short to full form. These short (three-figure)

forms can be changed to the full class numbers at any time
without other alteration than adding extra figures to those
here given. «

Plan. In this classification the field of knowledge is di-
vided in nine main classes, numberd 1 to 9. Cyclopedias,
periodicals, etc. so general in character as to belong to no
one of these classes, are markt o (naught), and form a tenth
class. Each class is similarly separated into nine divisions,

a The confusion and annoyance to the many users of this system caused by print-
ing unauthorized variations have forced the publishers to insist strictly on the pro-
tection afforded by the copyright laws. Every library and individual user has.
however, entire freedom to make such variations as he thinks he needs, under the
simple restrictions found necessary to protect the rights of others as explaind on
page 19, Letter notations for changes.

4 Abridged Decimal Classification

general works belonging to no division having o in place
of the division number. Divisions are similarly divided into
nine sections, and the process is repeated as often as nec-
essary, but in this abridgment o is not used beyond, the
third figure. Thus 512 means Class 5 (Natural Science),
Division 1 (Mathematics), Section 2 (Algebra), and every
Algebra is humberd 512. This class number, giving class,
cUv)s\on> .section' and sub-section, if any, is applied to every
book and pamflet belonging to the library.

Where o occurs in a class number, it has its normal zero
value. Thus a book numberd 510 is class 5, division 1, but
no section; i. e. the book treats of division 51 (Mathe-
matics) in general, and is limited to no one section, while
geometry which is so limited is markt 513; 500 indicates a
treatise on science in general, limited to no division. A
naught occurring in the first place would in the same way
show that the book is limited to no class ; e. g. a general
cyclopedia which treats of all nine classes.

The books are arranged on the shelves in simple numeri-
cal order, all class numbers being decimal. Since each sub-
ject has a definit number, all books on any subject must
stand together. These tables show the order in which sub-
jects follow one another. Thus 512 Algebra precedes 513
Geometry, and follows 511 Arithmetic.

Summaries. The first page of tables shows the 10 Classes
into which all topics are divided. The next page shows the
nine Divisions of each of the 10 classes, and is useful as a
bird's-eye view of the whole scheme.

Tables. Following these two summaries is the abridged
classification, which repeats, in proper order, all the classes,
divisions, and sections, with such sub-sections as are used in
this abridgment. Synonymous terms, examples, brief notes,
dates, and various catch-words are often added to the sim-
ple heads for convenience of users, who thus get a fuller
and clearer idea of the field which each number covers.
Therefore all references to numbers should be lookt up in
the tables; never in the summaries, which are really only a
table of contents of the complete tables.

Choice of heads. Sequence. Coordination 5

Choice and arrangement of heads. The selection and arrange-
ment of heads can not be explaind in detail for want of space. In all the
work, philosofic theory and accuracy have been made to yield to practical
usefulness. The impossibility of making a satisfactory classification of all
knowledge as preservd in books, has been appreciated from the first, and
theoretic harmony and exactness have been repeatedly sacrificed to practi-
cal requirements.

Sequence of allied subjects. Wherever practicable, heads have been
so arranged that each subject is preceded and followd by the most nearly
allied subjects, and thus added convenience is secured both in catalogs
and on shelves; e. g. Building (690) follows Mechanic trades (6S0) at
the end of Useful arts, and Architecture follows near the beginning of Fine
arts.

The student of Biology (570) finds fossil life or Paleontology (560) before,
and vegetable life or Botany (580) after, this followd in turn by animal life
or Zoology (590), ending with Mammals (599); while Useful arts (600)
begin with human Anatomy (611) under Medicin, thus giving a regular
progression from the fossil plant thru the vegetable and animal kingdoms
to the living man.

Coordination. Theoretically, the division of every subject into just
10 heads is absurd. Practically, it is desirable that classification be as
minute as possible, without use of added figures; and the decimal principle,
on which our scheme hinges, allows 10 divisions as readily as less.

This principle has proved wholly satisfactory in practice, tho apparently
destroying proper coordination in some places. In the full classification
this difficulty is entirely obviated by the use of another figure, giving nine
sub-sections to any subject of sufficient importance to warrant closer sub-
division. In history, where classification is made chiefly by countries, a
single figure is added, as in the other classes, to give a tenfold geografic
division. Wherever naught followd by another figure is added, it in-
dicates a division into periods.

As all history is by countries, and as close geografic subdivisions are
needed for local history and various other uses, the rule is whenever the
same number is subdivided both geografically and by periods, to insert
naught before the time or period figure; the o showing a change from
geografic to period division, e. g. 942.05 England in time of the Tudors.

As in every scheme, many minor subjects are under general heads to
which they do not strictly belong. In some cases, these heads are printed
in a distinctiv type ; e. g. 429 Anglo-Saxon, under English philology.
The rule has been to assign these subjects to the most nearly allied heads,
or where it was thought they would be most useful.

Catch-titles. In naming heads, strict accuracy has often been sacri-
ficed to brevity, for short familiar titles seemd more important than that
the heads given should express with fulness and exactness the character
of all books catalogd under them.

6 Abridged Decimal Classification

Form distinctions. The classification is mainly by subject
or content regardless of form ; but a form distinction for
general treatises, which is found practically useful, is intro-
duced at the beginning of the class, where the first numerals
would otherwise be unused. These form distinctions apply
only to general treatises, which, without them, would have
a class number ending in two naughts.

Thus, in Science there are many compends, dictionaries,
essays, periodicals, and societies, treating of Science in gen-
eral, and so having o for the division figure, but treating it
under different forms, and, therefore, divided into sections
according to this form : 501 for philosofy or theories of
Science, 502 for compends, 503 for dictionaries. This treat-
ment is as nearly as practicable uniform in all classes.
Brewer's Reader s handbook is 803, the first figure being
8 because the book is clearly on literature ; the second
figure o, because limited to no division of class 8 ; and the
third figure 3, because the book is a dictionary.

Mnemonics. Arrangement of heads has been sometimes
modified to secure mnemonic aid in numbering and finding
books without the index ; thus China has always the num-
ber 1. In Ancient history, it has the first section, 931 ; in
Modern history, under Asia, it has 951. Similarly the
Indian number is 4 ; Egyptian, 2 ; English, 2 ; German, 3 ;
French, 4; Italian, 5 ; Spanish 6 ; European, 4; Asian, 5 ;
African, 6 ; North American, 7 ; South American, 8 ; and
so for all divisions by languages or countries. Italian 5, for
instance, is in 035, 055, 065, 450, 850, 945, and many others.
This mnemonic principle is specially prominent in Philology
and Literature, and their divisions, and m form distinctions
used in the first nine sections of each class. Philosofy,
methods, or theory occurring as a head is always 1 ; diction-
aries and cyclopedias, 3 ; essays, 4 ; periodicals, 5 ; associa-
tions, institutions, and societies, 6 ; education, 7 ; polygrafy
or collections, 8 ; history, 9. In numerous cases several
minor heads are groupt together as Other, always num-
berd 9.

Relativ subject index 7

While Italian is always 5, 5 is by no means always Italian. Grammar is
5, Periodicals are 5, Asia is 5, Oratory is 5, etc. Even were it possible, to
limit 5 to Italian would waste numbering material, and results would not
justify cost. The purpose is to give practical aid, not to follow a fanciful
theory. A cataloger marking a German grammar, remembers that all
Philology begins with 4, and, as German is always 3 and grammar 5, he
knows the number must be 435. Italian (5), poetry (1), is as plainly 851
with no danger of being mistaken for " poetry of grammar " or " theory of
Asia," because the numbers also have that meaning. This feature is an
aid, not the regular method, and in all doubtful cases one refers at once to
index or tables. Suggested difficulties are usually creations of ingenious
theorists and not an outgrowth of practical experience in using this plan.

Wherever practicable, this mnemonic principle is used in subdividing sec-
tions. 558, Geology of South America, is subdivided by adding the sections of
980, History of South America. Geology of Brazil then must be 558.1 :
mnemonicly the first 5 means Science; the second 5, Geology; 8, South
America; 1, Brazil. Any library attendant or regular user of the scheme
recognizes 558. 1 at a glance as Geology of Brazil. This mnemonic feature is
of great practical utility in numbering and finding books without catalog or
index, and in determining the character of any book simply from its call
number. The advantage of mnemonic correspondence has however never
outweighd any claim of greater usefulness. In many cases choice between
numbers was hardly perceptible; e. g. whether in Philology the order should
be French, Spanish, Italian, or French, Italian, Spanish. In such cases,
preference was given to mnemonic numbers, and 20 years' experience has
now proved this wisest.

Relativ subject index. Following the tables is the most
important feature of the system, an alfabetic index of all
the heads, which refers by class number to the exact place of
each in the preceding tables.

The index might be made on any of the various dictionary plans. The
simplest was however chosen. Only short heads are given with a brief
indication in doubtful cases of the point of view taken in assigning the class
number.

This index is designd to guide both in numbering and in finding books.
In assigning numbers, the most specific head that will contain the book
having been determind, reference to that head in the Index gives the class
number which should be assignd. Conversely, in finding books on any
given subject, reference to the Index gives the number under which they
are to be sought on the shelves, in the shelf list, or in the subject catalog.
Whenever a subject not in this index comes up, it should be lookt up in the
full index so that the classification may be uniform with that of other users.

The index aims to give similar or synonymous words, and the same
words in different connections, so that any person of intelligence will

8 Abridged Decimal Classification

hardly fail to get the right number. A reader wishing to know something
of the tariff looks under T, and, at a glance, finds 337 as its class-number.
This guides him to the shelves, to all the books and pamflets, to the shelf
list, to the subject catalog on cards, to the index of books charged at the
loan desk, and, in short, in simple numeric order, thruout the whole library
to anything bearing on the subject. If he turns to the tables, he will see
that it means class 3, Sociology; division 3, Political economy; section 7,
Protection and free trade; but the number alone is enough to classify the
book or to find it, for either cataloger or reader. If he had lookt under
P for protection, or F for free trade, or D for duties, or C for customs, or
under any other leading word relating to his subject, he would still have
been referd to 337.

Had he lookt for " railroad " he would have found after it 13 separate
entries, each preceded by a catchword indicating the phase of the subject
in the scheme. A book on railroads may be a treatise on the desirability
of government ownership, control, etc., and then is clearly a question of
social science; or it may be a practical handbook for an employee explain-
ing business methods of railroading, running trains, handling freight, etc.,
when it is as clearly one of the useful arts. The cataloger knows to which
of these heads his book belongs, and the reader knows which phase of the
subject he wishes to examin. Moreover, the 3 and 6 beginning the numbers
indicate clearly the character of each class. But even if the significance
of these figures were entirely disregarded, no confusion would result; for,
on consulting either of the numbers in the catalog, in the tables or on the
shelves, the difference would be clearly seen.

What the relativ index includes. This index includes also,
as far as found, all synonyms or alternativ names for the
heads, and many other entries that seemd likely to help a
reader find his subject readily. Tho the user knows just
where to turn to his subject in the tables, if he consults the
index he may be sent also to other allied subjects; where he
will find valuable matter which he would otherwise overlook.
Most names of countries, towns, animals, plants, etc. have
been omitted, the Index containing only those which are in
the tables; e. g. it can not enumerate all the species of trilo-
bites, but when the classifier has found from the proper re-
ference books that Remopleurides is a trilobite, the index
will send him to 565 and he can classify his monograf on
that subject.

Relativ location. Economy and simplicity calld not only
for the subject index, but also for some plan of consolida-
ting the two sets of marks heretofore used ; the one telling

Relativ location 9

of what subject a book treats, the other where the book was
shelvd. By relativ location and decimal class numbers, the
simple arabic numbers have been made to tell of each book
and pamflet, both what it is, and where it is.

In arranging books on the shelves, absolute location by-
shelf and book number is wholly abandond, relativ location
by class and book number being one of the most valuable
features of the plan.1 In finding books, the class and book
numbers on the backs are followd, the upper being the
class and the lower the book number. {See p. 17, Book
numbers.) The class is found in its numeric order among
the classes, just as the shelf is found in the ordinary sys-
tem. Shelves are not numberd, as increase of different
departments, opening of new rooms, and any arrangement
of classes to bring books most circulated nearest the de-
livery desk, will at different times bring different class
numbers on any given shelf. New books, as receivd, are
numberd and put in place, in the same way that new titles
are added to the card catalog.

Not only do all the books on any given subject stand
together, no additions or changes ever separating them, but
the most nearly allied subjects precede and follow, they in
turn being preceded and followd by other allied subjects,
as far as practicable. Readers not having access to the
shelves find short titles arranged in the same order in the
shelf list, and full titles, imprints, subject and cross refer-
ences, notes, etc. in the subject catalog

Parts of sets, and books on the same or allied subjects,
are never separated as they are sure to be, sooner or later,
in every library arranged on the old plan, unless the great
and needless expense of frequent rearrangement and recata-
loging be incurd. In this system both class and book num-
bers remain unchanged thru all changes of shelving, build-
ings, or arrangement.

Among hundreds of points raisd by librarians, as to its
practical workings and usefulness, the only one in which it is

'For full explanations regarding forms of book numbers best used with this scheme
of classification, see p. 17, and Library notes no. 11.

io Abridged Decimal Classification

not shown to be equal or superior to the old systems is
that in this relativ location a book which this year stands,
for instance, at the end of a certain shelf, may not be
on that shelf at all another year, because of uneven growth
of the parts of the library. This slight objection, how-
ever, inheres in any system where books are arranged by
subjects, rather than by shelves, windows, doors, and similar
non-intellectual distinctions.

Sizes on shelves. Most libraries have abandond close
distinction of sizes. It is true that this distinction saves a
little space, but at far too great a cost ; for every distinction
of sizes makes a parallel classification. If books are groupt
in five sizes, one must look in five places before he can be
sure of having seen all the books on a given subject.

It is better to shelve octavos and all smaller books together
in one series, and arrange in parallel libraries only quartos and
folios, which are too large to stand on the regular shelves,
showing the series in which any oversize book is put, by a
size letter prefixt to the book number; e. g. 749 qB, to show
that book B on Artistic furniture is too large for the regular
shelves, and so is placed in the "q" or quarto series. Another
way is too use a wood or pasteboard dummy, to show the
location of a book not in its regular place. But, however
solvd, there is no conflict between the size problem and the
Decimal classification. (See also Library notes no. 1 1,
vol. 3, p. 428-29.)

CATALOGS

Any system of catalogs may be used with this scheme. But the two es-
sentials of even the simplest system are the author (or preferably name)
catalog and the shelf list. The chief use of the system for catalogs is for
the shelf list and for the clast catalog on cards.

Name catalog. In the name catalog on cards, arranged strictly by
names of authors and of persons or places written about, the class number
holds a subordinate place, yet is constantly useful. If printed, it appears
in a single colum as in the relativ index, and, where there is no subject
catalog, one can rapidly pick out the books on any desired topic by glanc-
ing down the colum for the class number wanted.

Shelf list. The class number makes the list the most useful form of
brief subject catalog. Each page gives in colums accession number,

Suggestions to users II

author's name, and brief title of every book in the library on the specific
• subject bearing that class number.

Subject catalog. In the card catalog of subjects the classification is
mapt out above the cards by projecting guides, making reference almost
instantaneous. Subjects are arranged in the i, 2, 3 order of their decimal
subject numbers exactly as in the classification tables, and the cards of
each subject are then further arranged alfabetically by authors.

The printed subject catalog on this plan is also the most compact
and satisfactory in use. Under each class number are given the
resources of the library on that subject, the heading giving for conven-
ience the name as well as the number of the subject ; e. g. u 513 Geom-
etry." General notes are printed in finer type under general heads, and
an index at the end shows where to open the book to find any topic. As
class numbers are put in place of page numbers, this index serves for any
catalog, list or library arranged on this plan.

Dictionary catalog. A dictionary card catalog may be as readily
used with this system as with any other, but its advantages are largely
supplied by the subject index, which is in itself a skeleton dictionary cata-
log. If however the subject card catalog is clast, the alfabetic index refer-
ring to class numbers makes the single set of cards serve both as clast and
dictionary catalog. Instead of giving the book titles under each head, the
index number refers to all those titles simply and directly.

The advantages of the dictionary and clast catalogs are therefore united,
not by mingling them together, and so losing much of the simplicity of
one and as much of the excellence of the other, but by really using both,
each with its own merits.

SUGGESTIONS TO USERS

In referring to tables, hold the book in the right hand
and turn with the left. The class numbers then show very
plainly on the left margin and reference is greatly expe-
dited. Some prefer to hold the book in the left hand, but
in any case the eye should follow the left margins wholly.

Numeration. In thinking or speaking of the class num-
bers, to avoid confusion always divide at the decimal point,
and name it ; e. g. read 942.9, "nine forty-two, point nine,"
never " ninety-four twenty-nine." If "point" were omitted
the ear might readily interpret 270.2 as 272, while "two
seventy, point two" can never be misunderstood.

Number of figures used in class number. In very small col-
lections two figures might do till growth required further

12 Abridged Decimal Classification

division ; but it is economy, and saves handling the books a
second time to use at least three figures at first, even in the*
smallest collection.

Whether there are one or 1,000 books on any topic, they take no more
space on the shelves if clast minutely, and the work is done once ior
all. When large accessions come, even if a century later, this number
will not have to be alterd. A library having only 20 books on economics
should use the full scheme, for the whole 20 would go on a single shelf,
and take no more room, and the index would refer more accurately to
what was wanted. The number of books you have on any subject has in
this system no special weight. In a relativ location, any number of con-
secutiv topics without a book yet in them, waste no space on shelves or in
catalogs; the numbers are merely skipt. This plan not only does no
harm, but has the considerable negativ value that looking for the number
and finding it blank or skipt, shows that you have nothing on the subject,
— a piece of information second in value only to finding something, for
one need no longer search.

The practical objection to close classing is that it gives a longer number
to charge in a lending library. In a reference library full sub-sections
should be used. Where a short number is imperativ, it is well to give the
full class number on another part of the book plate, not to be used in charg-
ing, but as a guide to the contents of the book. Thus when a classifier has
once examind a book, and found out just what it is about, the record is
preservd for the benefit of others.

Familiarity with tables. Get a general knowledge of the
scheme by learning the 10 main classes (you will soon know
the 100 divisions also without special study), so that you
can tell to what subject a given number belongs from its
first figure without referring to the tables. Specific knowl-
edge of subdivisions will come gradually, but rapidly, from
use. Using the tables alone, and then always verifying
your result by the index, you will more rapidly acquire
knowledge of the classification and facility in its use. To
do this decide first to which of the 10 classes the subject
belongs ; next, take that class as if there were no other,
and decide to which of its 10 divisions the subject belongs;
then, in the same way, select section and sub-section, thus
running down your topic in its grooves, which become ten-
fold narrower at each step.

Suggestions to users 13

Use of index. As a check against error, use the index
freely even tho. familiar with the scheme.

By consulting the index of the complete classification, subjects omitted
in this abridgment will be found assignd with allied subjects to the proper
head. Reference to this full subject index will decide at once most
doubtful points, and no topics omitted from the abridged tables and index
should be numberd without such reference, as otherwise great annoyance
may result from finding that the number used conflicts with that on the
great mass of printed and ms catalogs, cards, indexes and other biblio-
grafic aids arranged by this system.

Subject of a book. To determin the subject of a book
consult : —

1 The title, since it is generally chosen to show what the
book is about. But, as many titles are misleading, never
class from title alone, but always examin also

2 Table of contents, which is the best guide to the true
subject. If there is no table of contents read

3 Headings of chapters, or marginal topics.

4 Preface. Unless already certain, glance thru this to
catch the author's point of view, and verify impressions
gaind from title and contents.

5 Reference books. If preceding means fail, consult reli-
able bibliografies, clast and annotated catalogs, biografic
dictionaries, histories of literature, cyclopedias, reviews,
etc., for information about the character of the book.

6 Subject-matter. If the five shorter methods above
fail, examin the subject matter of the book itself, and if
still in doubt, to avoid mistakes, put aside 011 an " under
consideration " shelf till you can examin more thuroly or
consult

7 Specialists. Experts, competent to define their true
subject and relation, are usually glad to examin any new
books in their departments enough to class them. Old
ones they know where to put already.

After deciding what the book is about, find this subject
in the tables, either thru the index or by using the tables
directly, which for the beginner is a longer process, seldom
to be trusted without subsequent reference to the index ;
e. g. Pollock's Land laws might naturally be clast from the

14 Abridged Decimal Classification

tables alone as " 333, Land ; ownership ; rights ; rent," which
seems exactly to fit this book. The index, however, shows
two numbers, both referring to land laws, but from dif-
ferent points of view ; viz, 347, legal, and 333, economic.
The object of this book, as seen in the preface, is to give a
popular presentation of English statutes pertaining to land-
holding, not to discuss the history and theory of land laws
from the economist's point of view ; and it should be clast
"347, Realty," which might have been missed but for the
index.

Assigning class numbers. 1 Practical usefulness is the
chief thing. Put each book under the subject to the
student of which it is most useful, unless local reasons
"attract" it to a place still more useful in your library.
See p. 1 6, § 7.

2 The content or the real subject of which a book treats,
and not the form or the accidental wording of the title, de-
termins its place. Following this rule, put a philosofy
of art with Art, not with Philosofy ; a history of mathe-
matics with Mathematics, not with History; for philosofy
or history is simply the form which these books have taken.
Their true content or subject is Art or Mathematics, and to
the student of these subjects they are most useful.

3 Always remember that the question is not where one
would probably look to find a particular book, but under
what subject is the book of greatest value ; e. g. it is of little
consequence whether " one would be apt to look " under 595
for Darwin's Formation of vegetable mould, but of much conse-
quence that one studying earthworms should find that book
in "595 Worms," since it is chiefly valuable as a study of the
habits of earthworms. Any one wanting that special book
should look for it in the name catalog under Darwin.

4 Assign every book to the most specific head that will
contain it. This will vary in different libraries according to
the number of figures used, e. g. the specific head for " com-
pulsory vaccination" in the full tables is 614.4738 ; but in a
library using only three figures, the most specific number
possible is 614, which includes everything on public health.

Suggestions to users 15

If there are only 10 books on a given subject it is useful to have them
still farther groupt by topics or form of treatment, for otherwise, they
have only accidental order which is of service to no one. If a reader
wishes a specific subject, he is sent instantly to the exact place by the
subject index ; if, however, he wishes a specific book, he should go, not
to the shelves, but to the name catalog, where he can find its place
quickest. If he wishes to study the library's resources at the shelves, he
will be greatly helpt by close classing.

A library recently adopted the plan of putting all books of a division
together, if they had but few ; e. g. all mathematical works were markt
5ro. It took just as many figures, cost just as much labor in most cases,
and, if a man wanted the one calculus in the whole library, he had to
search through the 150 volumes in 510, when otherwise he would instantly
have found it standing alone as 517.

A teacher showing his pupils the material on any subject, if there are only
20 books, would surely put together those covering the same points, even if
there were but two. Much more should librarians group closely their
greater collections, that readers may gain something of the advantages of
an experienced guide.

This gives every specialist his own distinct library. If a student of
science in general, he is sent to class 5 ; if his department be zoology, his
library is 59 ; if his specialty is shells, he finds all works and references on
that subject in library 594. Whether a specialist needs it or not, every
subject being a library by itself shows resources and wants as no catalog
can show them. A catalog can not be made to take satisfactorily the place
of handling books themselves. This advantage weighs most in a college
or society library, where many go to the shelves ; but even if librarians only
are admitted, close classification is worth its cost in the added power it gives.

5 The predominant tendency or obvious purpose of a
book usually decides its class number at once. Still a book
often treats of two or more different subjects. In such
cases assign it to the place where it will be most useful, and
make references under all subordinate subjects. Give these
reference numbers both on book plate and subject card, as
well as on reference cards.

It is one of the markt advantages of the plan that these references,
notes, etc., may be added from time to time as found convenient. It is
necessary at first to find only the predominating tendency of the book in
order to classify it. Subject references are added whenever found necessary.

Add these numbers indicating more closely the character of the book
as rapidly as possible, and invite all specialists to call the librarian's
attention to every desirable subject reference noticed in their reading.
These numbers take little room, are easily added, and in most cases are
very valuable.

j6 Abridged Decimal Classification

6 If two subjects have distinct page limitations, class
under the first, and make analytic reference under the
second. But if the second is decidedly more important or
much greater in bulk, class under that, with reference under
the first. Always put a bobk under the first subject, unless
there is good reason for entering it under another.

7 Consider not only the scope and tendency of each
book, but also the nature and specialties of each library.

Any subject of which a library makes a specialty naturally
"attracts" allied subjects. This influence is strongest in
minute classification. To admit this variation, many sub-
jects in the present scheme have two or more places, ac-
cording to these different sides ; e. g. a book on school
hygiene, which a medical library puts under 613, has also a
place in 371, where the educational specialist requires it.

8 If a book treats of a majority of the sections of any
division, give it the division number, instead of the most
important section number with subject references. Unless
some one section is so prominently treated as to warrant
placing the book in it, class a book on four or more sections
under the division number; e. g. class a volume on light,
heat, and sound, under the head most fully discust, and refer
to it from the others; but if it treats also of mechanics, class as
530, or general physics, tho no mention be made of hydrosta-
tics, pneumatics, electricity, magnetism, or molecular physics.

9 To secure uniformity, make notes for future reference
of all difficulties and decisions ; for it is even more import-
ant to put books on the same subject together than to put
them in the absolutely correct place. These notes should be
written either on the broad margins of the classification tables,
or on an interleavd copy, or on standard-size slips arranged
by class numbers, like the clast catalog. (See also p. 23,
Index re rums.)

10 Keep collected works, libraries, etc. together, and
assign them like individual books to the most specific head
that will contain them ; or assign to the most prominent
of the various subjects on which they treat, with subject
references from the others'; or separate and class the parts
as independent works.

Book numbers 17

This last practice constantly grows in favor, and many
librarians now largely disregard uniform bindings and
"series" lettering, and, unless contents of volumes are so
connected that they can not be separated, class each under
the most specific head that will contain it.

1 1 Class translations, reviews, keys, analyses, answers,
and other books about specific books with the original book,
as being there most useful.

Book numbers. With this abridged classification the fol-
lowing rough alfabetic arrangement of books in each class
by author's surnames is recommended :

Keep together names beginning with the same letter by
marking books by the first author under any letter with the
initial of the author's surname ; books by the second author
under that letter with the author's initial followd by 1.
Use the same initial and figure for all books by the same
author in any one class, and distinguish different books by
adding lower-case letters. E. g. if in class 942, History of
England, the first books under G were Green's History
of the English people, Gardiner's Outline of English history,
Guizot's History of England and Green's Short history of
the English people, and were receivd in the order named,
the book number of Green's History would be G, Gardi-
ner's Outline would be Gi, Guizot's History G2, and of
Green's Short history Ga.

In order to keep lives of the same person together book
numbers in individual biografy should be assignd from the
name of the person written about instead of from name of
writer. These biografies are markt B and arranged in a
single alfabetic series.

For fiction, omit the class number altogether and alfa-
bet by authors' surnames. Both fiction and biografy should
be numberd by the author table devised by C: A. Cutter,
and different books by the same author distinguisht by
adding a, b, c, etc. to the Cutter number.

For a full discussion of book numbers see Library notes
no. 11, which is wholly given up to an explanation and
tables of the systems which have been found most useful.

i8 Abridged Decimal Classification

VARIATIONS PRACTICABLE IN ADJUSTING TO
SPECIAL LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

Some users assume that adoption of the Decimal classification and rela-
tiv index carries with it other parts of the general system which the author has
used at Amherst, Wellesley, or Columbia colleges or in the New York
state library. In fact, the plan in each of these libraries differs some-
what from all the others, and many of the more than 300 libraries now
using this system have adopted still other variations ; for the special constitu-
ency, circumstances, and resources of each library must be considerd in
deciding what is best for it. This decision should be made by one
familiar, not only with the library and its needs, but also with all methods
of any merit and the comparativ ease and cost of introducing them into
any given library.

Cautions. Having decided to adopt the system in its decimal form as
workt out and printed, it must be determind whether to adopt certain
variations, noted in 1-4 below as practicable, and in some cases useful
and desirable. The inexperienced user is very likely to feel entirely com-
petent, after once reading the tables (in fact, without reading more than a
single page regardless of its bearings on hundreds of other places, and with-
out so much as looking at the author's explanations), to institute a
series of " improvements." Experience proves that nothing could be more
disastrous. It seems a simple matter to put a topic a line higher or lower,
but in some cases this may affect over 100 different entries in the index,
and there is no possible way to be sure of correcting them except by ex-
amining each of thousands of heads. Any changes except as authorized
under the next heads, would conflict with the full tables, so that closer
classification, if required later by the growth of the library, could be
made only by changing whole numbers instead of by simply adding extra
figures. Care has been taken that no number in this short form should
vary from that in the full tables ; e. g. instead of printing as the number
for Ireland only 941.5, the numbers 941. 6-9 are given for the different
groups of counties, just as in the full tables. If the numbers for these
counties were designated by adding figures to 941.5, the closer classifica-
tion would be omitted in this edition, for small libraries are not likely to
have enough on Ireland to make subdivision necessary. But if the books
on the various Irish counties were all numberd 941.5 the number would
disagree with those on all printed catalog cards and cooperativ lists and,
if the change to full class numbers should ever be made, the last figure on
every book and on every record of that book would have to be alterd,
while nothing would have been gaind originally in brevity.

Frequently proposed changes, carefully studied out and submitted as
improvements, are shown by our old records to have been adopted and
used in the exact form proposed, till considerations which had not been
foreseen forced us to change to the form as printed. Even after years of

Variations 19

experience one is not safe in pronouncing on an apparent improvement
without consulting the voluminous records of previous experiments. Even
those who have used the system longest have sometimes been misled into
adopting changes which on trial they were compeld to reject, going back
to the original form at the cost and confusion of two changes.

The user who adopts the printed form avoids the criticism sure to be
aimd at any possible scheme. The moment he makes one ''improve-
ment" he must defend all the heads or alter them to suit each critic.
Much time is saved by saying that the scheme is used as printed, and
blunders are the author's, not the user's. The cooperation of those inter-
ested is invited in eliminating any errors found either in tables or index.

The following brief notes show the most important variations found
practicable in the " relativ index system," oftener called the "Decimal or
Dewey system."

I Letter notations for changes. To protect other users from con-
fusion, the publishers insist, as the copyright entitles them to, that these
numbers shall not be printed with changed meanings without some clear
indication of the fact in the number itself. If the reasons that led us to
adopt the form printed are not conclusiv to another, we wish to remove
any obstacles to his use of the system with such changes as shall satisfy
him. This can be readily done by using a letter, or some other character
than the 10 digits, to mark changes, e. g., if you wish a different set of
subdivisions under 630, make it out to suit, and number it 63a, 63b, 63c,
etc. It will arrange in its exact place and exact order without difficulty,
and no other user of the system will be confused by the numbers. In the
index, cancel the 1, 2, 3, etc., you have discarded, and write in the a, b, c,
etc.. adopted. Whenever you use our exact numbers, use also
our meanings for them exactly as indext. If you wish to change a
head from one place to another, cancel it where it stands, and leave that
number blank in the tables. Then insert the head in its new place by
the use of a letter instead of the figure omitted as above, as if it had never
been in the tables.

This plan of introducing letters or other symbols wherever each user
pleases, will give all needed freedom to the personal equation and desire
for originality, and meets all real wants for peculiar classification in pecu-
liar cases.

Fiction, and juvenils. In some cases it is usually best to
modify class numbers by letters as above. In popular libra-
ries half the circulation is often fiction. A great saving is
effected here by omitting the class number entirely, as
directed in these abridged tables, and using merely the book
number, it being understood that no class number means
fiction. After fiction, their great circulation makes juvenils
a good place to economize, if they are kept separate. The

20 Abridged Decimal Classification

books are clast exactly as if for adults, then a J is prefixt to
show their special character. This gives J alone as the class
number for juvenil fiction, and J942, for a child's history
of England. These are then arranged in a parallel library
by themselves, so that J942 comes between J941, juvenil
history of Scotland, and J943, juvenil history of Germany.

If at any time it seems desirable to abandon the separate
J library, it can be done without altering a number, by dis-
tributing the J books among the regular classes, either ignor-
ing the J entirely, or preferably by putting all the J books
by themselves at the end of each class number.

There are thus three methods: 1, to have a separate J
library ; 2, to have the J books by themselves at the end of
each class number ; 3, to have the J books in alfabetic
order among other books on the same subject. In this last
case the J is useful only to call attention plainly to their
juvenil character.

The same marking is used for all these plans, and one can
be changed into the other by simply distributing the books
the other way, and telling the attendants that it has been
done. Juvenil books go with adult books of the same
class, unless a special J library is made containing all
juvenils.

Biografy. Similarly it is recommended that the large class of indi-
vidual biografy, as to the best treatment of which there is great difference
of opinion, and should be markt B in place of the subject number. See
p. 15, Book numbers; and tables " 920 Biografy."

Instead of the plan printed in the tables, biografy may be distributed as
far as possible among the subjects it illustrates, leaving, of course, under
B lives not bearing specially on any subject ; e. g. all lives of musicians
go under 780 and its subdivisions, the life of Wagner being 782. Even in
this arrangement it is better to indicate that it is biografyr putting B before
the class number ; i. e. mark Wagner's life B782. (See also Book num-
bers, p. 17.)

Parallel libraries. This treatment of fiction, juvenils, and biografy
illustrates the principle of parallel libraries. Its other chief application is
for reference and language collections. Some libraries have a constituency
not reading English, and so need a parallel library in German, or Swedish,
or French, etc. This is most easily made by simply prefixing the initial
of the language to the class number. The German parallel library is

Variations 21

made by simply putting all G's together and arranging by class numbers.
This plan has proved very satisfactory in actual use.

To separate books most needed for reference, mark R before class num-
bers, and arrange the books together, as an R library. When the books
are to go into the general collection again, a line can be drawn thru this
letter. In the same way it often happens that a general private library is
given on condition that it be kept together ; e. g, the Phoenix library of
Columbia college. This has P prefixt to the class number, and thus is a
parallel library by itself. An initial is better in such cases than a * or
similar mark, since the initial helps the memory and is just as brief. The
same plan applies, of course, if the library has an " inferno " for books
not used without permits, or more distant rooms where books worth keep-
ing but seldom calld for can be arranged in a parallel storage library.

Combining language and literature. The same principle can be applied
also in combining each language with its literature, if it is preferd to abolish
the class, Philology, and make it simply an appendix to Literature. The
reverse would hold true if a philologist wisht to abolish Literature and
make it an appendix to Philology ; e. g. using 82p for English philology,
and adding philology subdivisions, English dictionaries would become
82P3, English grammars 82P5, etc., and arrange either just before or just
after English literature, 820, 821, etc. For a better plan see below,
Broken order.

2 Broken order. Another common and often desirable
variation for shelf arrangement is to break the sequence
of the numbers, in order to get books most used nearest
the delivery desk. The strict theory is to keep the whole
1000 numbers in exact sequence ; but a higher rule to be
obeyd everywhere is to sacrifice any theory for a substan-
tial gain. Practically it will seldom happen that it is not
best to break the order of the classes. Often divi-
sions are best arranged out of numeric place; e. g. 520
Astronomy may be wanted in a room accessible at night ;
fiction, juvenils, and biografy are always wanted near the
delivery desk in a public library, and in strict order are as
likely to come at the most distant point. Various local
reasons may make a broken order desirable. There need
be no hesitation in adopting it if enough is gaind, but there
should be charts clearly showing where each division starts ;
e. g. after 430 " Preceding 830; " after 520 " In observatory."
The rule is to specify where books may be found that have
been entirely removed from the general library arrange-

22 Abridged Decimal Classification

ment. The page of ioo divisions is reprinted on cards with
wide margins for just this use. Opposit each division is
markt its beginning on the shelves, and it is easy to vary the
order as much as necessary, tho of course the nearer the
divisions run in regular order i to 99, the easier it is for a
stranger to find his way about. Wherever variations from
the printed order are made, a wood or cardboard dummy in
the regular place should have markt on its side the present
location of the subject removed; e. g. "491 will be found
preceding 891."

This broken-order plan is best for bringing together the
philology and literature of each language without altering
numbers or prefixing any letter. Let 420 be shelvd just
ahead of 820, 430 ahead of 830, and so for all languages,
making the general note that all 400's are shelvd just
ahead of the corresponding 8oo's.

3 Pro and con division of topics. In many cases it is very useful
to separate the books on a topic with strongly markt sides, so that either
set of views and arguments may be seen by itself; e. g. 337, Protection
and Free Trade. The number alone may be used for general works,
giving facts, etc., and advocates and opponents may be separated by
+ and — for positiv and negativ, or by p and c, the initials for pro and
con, words which, tho short, are too long for a circulating library to charge.
In reference libraries, on cards, etc., most will prefer to write out pro and
con, to distinguish the two groups. The order on the shelves is, of course,

c p

alfabetic, viz 337, 337, 337; or if + and — are used, the usual order is
followd: +, — . These letters or signs should be written above or prefixt to
the class number, for if written 337c, 337 — , etc., the space at the end should
be left free for other figures if it were decided later to class more closely.

4 Unassignd numbers. The one and two figure numbers 1-99 are
available for special uses without confusion with tables or index, for initial
o is printed in the tables and index for all numbers before 100. In classi-
fication it sometimes happens that the first two figures are obvious at a
glance, but time must be taken to determin the third. It is convenient
to write these first figures, but if a mathematical book receives its first two
figures (51), this unfinisht number is liable to be confused with the two-
figure number 51. This danger may be largely avoided by writing the
decimal point after a blank ; e. g. 51 ., to show that a figure is omitted.

These four notes suggest the range of variations that may be made in
the Decimal classification and illustrate its adaptability to widely different
conditions. For book numbers which decide the order of material after
it is groupt into its final classes, see page 17 and Library notes no. II.

Other uses 23

OTHER USES

Tho the system was devised for library catalog and shelf arrangement,
22 years' use has developt many new applications ; but the essential
character of the plan has remaind unchanged from the first. Nearly
every administrativ department feels directly the great economy, and in
every field of literary activity this classification has been found a labor-
saving tool, whose practical usefulness has exceeded^ the most sanguin
hopes of its early friends.

Bookstores. The plan is a great convenience to both dealers and
customers, when applied to the miscellaneous stock of a bookstore. Very
often a much-wanted book, specially if not recently publisht, is reported
"not in stock," when such an arrangement by subjects would have re-
veald its place at once. Specialists often find on the shelves books that
they would never have orderd, but are glad to buy after examination.
Experience proves it a profitable thing for a dealer to arrange his books so
that each person may find those in which he is interested without examin-
ing the entire stock.

Scrap books. The plan has proved of great service in preserving
newspaper clippings. Scrap sheets of uniform size are used, with the class
number of the subject written in the upper corner of the front edge of the
page, and clippings are mounted on the sheet as in a common scrap-book.
When one sheet is full, another is inserted at the exact place. Thus per-
fect classification is kept up without blank sheets, and at the smallest outlay
of money and trouble. This "L. B. scrap book" is for most persons the
best form. These sheets are then arranged numerically like the subject
card catalog, the sheets of each class being farther arranged, when de-
sirable, under alfabetic subheads. Scraps thus mounted are shelvd either
in manila pamflet cases or in patent binders.

Index rerums. These are best made on the standard P size (7.5 x
12.5 cm), card or slip. Long study and experience prove that the stock
L,2ooa is best for private indexes, etc. It costs only half as much as the
Br 400," which is largely used for public library catalogs, takes only half
the room, and gives great satisfaction.

Where durability and convenience of handling are less important than
the strictest economy, common heavy writing paper may be used; but
most novices greatly diminish the usefulness of the card system by using
ordinary machine-cut cards or slips which vary in hight so much as to
make quick and accurate manipulation impossible. The extreme varia-
tion that should be tolerated is 1 millimeter or ^ in. This will be under-
stood by placing a 7.4 cm card between two 7.5 cm cards.' The fingers
make a bridge across the taller cards and the lower one is missed entirely
in rapid turning. Cards must be cut by accurate gages or they will lose

a This is a catalog number of the Library Bureau. L200 means linen ledger paper of which a square
meter weighs 200 grams. Br 400 means bristol weighing 400 grams to the square meter.

24 Abridged Decimal Classification

half their value, and in many cases make it necessary to recopy the
material at a cost tenfold greater than to have thrown away the imper-
fectly cut cards or slips.

The class number is written in the upper left corner, any alfabetic sub-
ject head follows at the right, and notes fill the card below. The cards
are then filed in order of class numbers like the subject card catalog,
the cards of each class being farther arranged, as in case of the scrap
sheets, according tp any alfabetic subheads. Scores of devices for con-
venient handling and storing of these slips and of scrap sheets and pam-
fiets are already manufactured. Details will be found in the full descriptiv
and illustrated catalog.

Another admirable form is similar to the L. B. scrap-book or shelf list ; in
fact, it is simply a shelf list without the printed head and colum lines. The sub-
ject number goes in the upper corner, and all notes on that subject are written
on the sheet below. This book fits an ordinary shelf, has the advantage of a
full letter page in sight at once, and holds over five times as much as the pos-
tal card. Of course the system can be applied to slips or sheets of any size,
but there are literally hundreds of accessories and conveniences exactly
adapted to these two sizes, which are used tenfold more than all others
combined ; so it is folly for one to begin on another size, and lose the ad-
vantages of this uniformity. If intermediate sizes must be had, the ones
most used and least objectionable are Note, 12.5, x 20 cm, and Magazine,
17.5 x 25 cm. There are repeated cases where users of some other size
have finally found it profitable to change to either the Postal, 7.5 x 12.5,
or to the Letter, 20 x 25 cm, even at the cost of rewriting many notes.

Note books are best in this last described form. The much poorer
method is to take a bound blank book, and assign the class numbers in
order, giving about the space it is thought each will require, and, when the
pages so assignd are full, note at the bottom of the page where the sub-
ject is continued. This has all the objections of the old fixt location as
compared with the relativ, and will hardly be adopted by any person who
has ever seen the simplicity and economy of the shelf-list system.

Topical indexes. The class numbers are used in indexing books
read, usually by making the entries in the index rerum under proper num-
bers. The number takes the place of a series of words, and the results
can be handled, arranged, and found much quicker because of the simple
numerals.

The advantages of the system for making topical indexes of collected
works, periodicals, transactions, etc. are evident. These consolidated in-
dexes may be arranged together with the card catalog of the books, or by
themselves, as seems best in each case.

It would exceed the limits of this brief description to notice all the
varied applications of the system. Enough have been mentiond to show
its wide adaptability to the wants of the librarian and the student.

First Summary

Classes

0. GENERAL WORKS

i. PHILOSOPHY

2. RELIGION

3. SOCIOLOGY

4. PHILOLOGY.

5. NATURAL SCIENCE

6. USEFUL ARTS

7. FINE ARTS

8. LITERATURE

9. HISTORY

■>

Second Summary

DIVISIONS

000

General Works.

500

Natural Science.

OIO

Bibliography.

510

Mathematics.

020

Library Economy.

520

Astronomy.

030

General Cyclopedias.

530

Physics.

040

General Collections.

540

Chemistry.

050

General Periodicals.

55o

Geology.

060

General Societies.

560

Paleontology.

070

Newspapers.

57o

Biology.

080

Special Libraries. Polygraphy.

580

Botany.

090

Book Rarities.

590

Zoology.

100

Philosophy.

600

Useful Arts.

Metaphysics.

610

Medicine.

120

Special Metaphysical Topics.

620

Engineering.

130

Mind and Body.

630

Agriculture.

140

Philosophical Systems.

640

Domestic Economy.

150

Mental Faculties. Psychology.

650

Communication and Commerce

160

Logic.

660

Chemical Technology.

170

Ethics.

670

Manufactures.

180

Ancient Philosophers.

680

Mechanic Trades.

190

Modern Philosophers.

690

Buildings.

200

Religion.

700

Fine Arts.

210

Natural Theology.

710

Landscape Gardening.

220

Bible.

720

Architecture.

230

Doctrinal Theol. Dogmatics.

730

Sculpture.

240

Devotional and Practical.

740

Drawing. Design. Decoration

250

Homiletic.Pastoral.Parochial.

750

Painting.

260

Church. Institutions. Work.

760

Engraving.

270

Religious History.

770

Photography.

280

Christian Churches and Sects.

780

Music.

290

Non-Christian Religions.

790

Amusements.

300

Sociology.

800

Literature.

310

Statistics.

810

American.

320

Political Science.

820

English.

330

Political Economy.

830

German.

340

Law.

840

French.

350

Administration.

850

Italian.

360

Associations and Institutions.

860

Spanish.

37o

Education.

870

Latin.

380

Commerce and Communication.

880

Greek.

390

Customs. Costumes. Folk-lore.

890

Minor Languages.

400

Philology.

900

History.

410

Comparative.

910

Geography and Description

420

English.

920

Biography.

430

German.

930

Ancient History.

440

French.

940

f Europe.

450

Italian.

95o

Asia.

460

Spanish.

960

Africa.

470

Latin.

970

North America.

480

Greek.

980

South America.

490

Minor Languages.

990

OCEANICA AND POLAR REGIONS.

General works

010 Bibliografy

on General bibliografies. Universal catalogs

on is by Authors. If by Subjects they go in 016.

012-016 include both bibliografies and catalogs. 017-019 is limited to catalogs
of general collections.

012 Of individual authors

Alfabeted by bibliografees, not by compilers ; e. g. Chaucer, Dante, Ruskin, etc.

013 Of special classes of authors

e. g. Books written by Jesuits, by Roman catholics, by members of the Bavarian
academy, etc., or these may go with the church, society, etc. with references
here.

014 Of special forms. Anonyms, pseudonyms, etc.

015 Of special countries

Books publisht in the country. Publishers' lists, current publications. Bibliografy of
books publisht in England, as Lowndes or English catalog.

The history of literature, i. e. belles lettres, poetry, drama, fiction, etc. goes, of course,
with those topics in 800; but the literary history of any given place or period
covering the writings on all subjects as well as in literature, is bibliografy, and
goes usually in 015, tho the literary history of some special class is 013.

016 Of special subjects

.1 philosofy

.2 religion

.3 v- sociology

.4 ^ philology

.5 & natural science
o

6 3 useful arts

7 B fine arts

8 literature

9 history

Library and sale catalogs

Catalogs of any special subject, whether subject, author, or dictionary, go under its
subject number, in 016, which is the ruling heading wherever it conflicts with
another. 017-019 therefore includes only catalogs of general collections, limited
to no one class or subject.

01 7 Clast catalogs. Systematic or logical

For all forms of alfabetic subject catalogs, see 019. See 016 for Bibliografies.

018 Author Catalogs See on for Bibliografies.

A volume containing both author and subjecl catalogs is more useful in 017. 018
includes accession, chronologic, and any other forms (except subject and dic-
tionary) of catalogs of collections.

019 Dictionary catalogs. Alfabetico-clast, etc.

28 Abridged Decimal Classification

020 Library economy

02 1 Scope and founding of libraries

02 2 JjUllQing'S See also 727, Architecture of educational buildings

023 Government and service

024 Regulations for readers

025 Administration. Departments

025 is for the librarian's part. The trustees build and furnish (022); make rules for
government and service (023), and regulations for readers (024); but the adminis-
tration involves questions of its own, which, however, are closely allied to topics
in 021-024 and elsewhere ; e. g. the librarian must know his side of binding,
and be able to give proper directions and supervision, but need not know ail
the details of the binder's craft (686).

Administration includes Supervision ; Acquisition ; Utilization ; Preservation ; i. e. the
librarian's duty to books is to Get, Use, Keep.

026 Libraries on special subjects

Histories, reports, statistics, bulletins, handbooks, circulars, and everything about the
library not more required in one of the sections above ; e. g. a Medical library,
a Chess library, but the catalog of a Chess library is 016.7 ; blanks, etc. from
any library go in 025, as more used in studying topics: but, if history of indi-
vidual libraries is specialized, duplicates are also desirable under the library in
026-027, thus making a complete set of its publications.

027 General libraries

This includes both circulating and reference; i. e. all not limited to special subjects.

028 Reading and aids

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