DEWEY *REMINDER *DEWEY *REMINDER*DEWEY *
We classify our books according to Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC),
21st ed. This latest edition supersedes all previous editions and
has been used nationally (and internationally!) since its
publication in 1996. DDC is continuously revised to keep pace
with changing times. This means adding numbers for new topics as
well as revising current ones to reflect new views or to reduce
bias. The 20th edition saw extensive revisions to the 780's (music)
which reorganized the old classification system to improve the
inadequate numbering scheme. In the 21st edition, there are
considerable changes in the 300's and 500's. We always use the
most current edition of DDC so that we remain consistent with other
libraries in the United States. In today's shared information
environment, there are no local catalogs! This is important for us
because so many of our patrons are seasonal and that book they want
from "home" can be found more easily if the numbers are
the same or similar. If a new edition does get reclassed, we
would like to try something new to help you locate those elusive
older editions. We will send an e-mail to Circulation Supervisors
when the classification number is changed on a new edition. In that
way, you can locate the older edition and decide if you wish to keep
it in your collection or withdraw it.
DATABASE CONTROL NUMBER
If we ever call and ask for a book, we will give you both the
title and the Database Control Number, (or Control Number, as we
call it). This is a title specific number which allows us to request
the proper edition of a book. Also, when you send a book to us and
use the yellow Technical Services Inquiry form or if you have a
question about a title, this is the number that is most helpful to
us. In this example from the Bibliographic Services screen, notice
that the control number is on the top right.
Bibliographic type: book
DB Control number: ABA-0663
Call number: Mitchell
Main entry: Mitchell, Margaret, 1900-1949.
Title: Gone with the wind /
This is the line Boolean displays: System ID no: ABA-0663.
It does not display, nor is it accessible from the OPAC.
