What Is the Dewey Decimal Classification System? A Guide for Koha Libraries
The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system is one of the most widely used methods for organizing library collections. Created by Melvil Dewey in 1876, it remains a foundational tool in libraries worldwide—particularly in public, school, and small academic settings.
For libraries using the Koha Integrated Library System, DDC offers a straightforward, standardized approach to cataloging materials. Koha supports DDC natively, allowing libraries to assign and manage call numbers efficiently within the system.
Structure of the Dewey Decimal System
The DDC divides human knowledge into 10 broad classes, numbered from 000 to 900. Each class represents a major disciplines.
| DDC Class | Subject Area |
|---|---|
| 000 | General Works |
| 100 | Philosophy & Psychology |
| 200 | Religion |
| 300 | Social Sciences |
| 400 | Language |
| 500 | Science |
| 600 | Technology |
| 700 | Arts & Recreation |
| 800 | Literature |
| 900 | History & Geography |
Each of these classes is further divided into ten divisions, and each division into ten sections, creating a detailed, hierarchical structure. This decimal format allows libraries to grow collections in a scalable and organized manner.
Why Koha Libraries Use DDC
Many Koha libraries favor DDC for several reasons:
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Ease of Use: Its numeric structure is intuitive, making it easier for both staff and patrons to browse and locate materials.
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Global Standard: DDC is used in over 135 countries, making cataloging and resource sharing easier across institutions.
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Koha Integration: Koha’s MARC cataloging framework supports DDC classification fields out of the box, making it ideal for libraries that want a ready-to-use system.
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Continual Updates: The system is maintained and updated by OCLC, ensuring relevance in emerging fields.
Limitations and Criticism
Despite its utility, the DDC is not without criticism:
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Western Bias: Critics have noted that the DDC reflects a predominantly Western perspective, especially in categories like religion or world history.
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Limited Flexibility: While regularly updated, its fixed numeric ranges can be limiting for interdisciplinary or newly emerging subjects.
Still, for many Koha libraries, DDC remains an effective, low-barrier choice for catalog organization—particularly when simplicity and international consistency are priorities.
Final Thoughts
The Dewey Decimal Classification system offers a practical, time-tested solution for organizing library materials. When used with Koha, its advantages in standardization, simplicity, and cataloging efficiency become even more pronounced. For public and school libraries—and Koha users seeking a flexible, globally recognized system—DDC remains an excellent choice.