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4.6 Library Classification: Subjects

Within a library collection, materials are typically organized by subject. Librarians assign a call number based on a work's subject and sources are then shelved by that call number so that anyone browsing the shelves will find most of the titles on a subject together.

There are 2 main subject classification systems that translate a work's subject and author or title into a code (call number) that determines where it will be shelved.

The examples below illustrate how the two main subject classification systems, Library of Congress and Dewey Decimal, are used to assign call numbers for the book, Battle in Seattle by Janet Thomas, published in 2000, about the demonstrations during the WTO summit in Seattle.
 
Subject Classification How it works
Instructions: Click on Go, and call number (one Library of Congress, one Dewey Decimal) are rearranged with explanation of each part of number for above book, shown in a graphic.
Library of Congress: Used in most college, university, and research libraries because it handles large collections.
Dewey Decimal: Used in most public and school libraries because it is more effective for smaller collections.

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