Dewey Decimal vs. Library of Congress Classification: Key Differences for Koha Libraries
Koha, the world’s leading open-source Integrated Library System (ILS), supports both Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and Library of Congress Classification (LCC) systems. Understanding the difference between these systems is essential for Koha administrators when organizing collections and configuring cataloging workflows.
Overview of DDC and LCC
Both DDC and LCC serve the same fundamental purpose: to organize library materials so patrons and staff can retrieve them efficiently. However, they differ significantly in origin, complexity, and best-fit use cases.
Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)
- Developed by: Melvil Dewey in the 1870s
- Structure: Numeric; 10 main classes (e.g., 500 for Science, 700 for Arts)
- Use: Predominantly in public, school, and small academic libraries
- Strengths:
- Easy to learn and apply
- Ideal for smaller or general collections
- Internationally adopted and widely recognized
Library of Congress Classification (LCC)
- Developed by: The Library of Congress in the late 19th century
- Structure: Alphanumeric; 21 main classes (e.g., Q for Science, N for Fine Arts)
- Use: Primarily in academic, research, and large institutional libraries
- Strengths:
- Allows greater specificity and depth
- Better suited for large, diverse collections
- Frequently updated to reflect scholarly disciplines
Key Differences
| Feature | Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) | Library of Congress Classification (LCC) |
|---|---|---|
| Classification Format | Numeric (000–999) | Alphanumeric (e.g., QA76.76) |
| Main Classes | 10 main categories | 21 main categories |
| Granularity | Broad subjects with limited subclassing | Highly detailed and hierarchical |
| Ease of Use | Simpler and more intuitive | Requires training for accurate implementation |
| Primary Users | Public, school, and small academic libraries | Academic, research, and special libraries |
| Global Adoption | Widely used internationally | Mainly used in the U.S. and Canada |
| Koha Integration | Fully supported, suitable for simpler collections | Fully supported, ideal for detailed cataloging |
Choosing the Right System in Koha
Koha libraries can configure either classification scheme based on institutional needs:
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Choose DDC if your library has a smaller collection, primarily serves general audiences, or wants a straightforward setup.
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Choose LCC if your library supports academic or research activities and requires precise categorization of specialized materials.
Final Thoughts
Both DDC and LCC are robust, well-established classification systems. With Koha’s flexibility, libraries can implement the system that best matches their size, audience, and subject focus. Whether you choose Dewey for simplicity or LCC for depth, Koha ensures seamless support for both.