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 MODULE 2: LOCATING RESOURCES USING THE LIBRARY CATALOGUE AND THE DEWEY DECIMAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

 

The TAFE Library Catalogue

Your TAFE library's resources are listed in a TAFE Network-wide (statewide) catalogue, called TAFEcat. It's necessary to check the library location of items listed, to find out if your library has the item. Then note down the call number of the item and you will be able to find it on the shelves.

Call numbers

Books, videos and other library materials are organised by a numerical system which groups materials on the same subject together (a classification system). The identifying number on each item (eg on the spine of books) which enables library users to identify them is called the call number.

The numbers used are determined by the Dewey Decimal Classification System (DDC).

The system divides all knowledge into ten main classes. Each main class is divided into ten divisions and each division into ten sections. A list of the main classes is included in this kit.

You need to use all the numbers and letters in a call number to find your book.

Here’s what the different parts of a call number stand for:

There are always 3 numbers before the decimal point.

These numbers tell you the main subject area, or class that the item belongs to and indicate where to start looking for the item on the shelf.

The numbers after the decimal point give you more details about the subject of the item and its location on the shelf.

Roll your mouse pointer over the following example for more information:

AV 305. 80994/ DARE

Remember: Items are arranged firstly in numerical order on the shelves. If items have exactly the same number they are then arranged in alphabetical order.

Activity:

Which is the correct order on the library shelf for items with the following call numbers?

1.

370.994/FRA

378.94/AUS

370.106/WEL

2.

378.94/AUS

370.994/FRA

370.106/WEL

3.

370.106/WEL

370.994/FRA

378.94/AUS

Below is an example of call numbers and locations of a book from the TAFEcat.

Make sure you copy down ALL of the number before you try to find an item listed for your library! Many items have similar call numbers and to have part of the number only will make your search difficult.

THE DEWEY DECIMAL CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

Items are arranged on the library shelves in numerical order according to the Dewey Decimal Classification System which separates all items into ten classes (below).

There are always 3 numbers before the decimal point.

000-099 GENERAL WORKS: including encyclopedias. For example an Encyclopedia would be numbered 030.

100-199 PHILOSOPHY: including items on psychology, logic and ethics. For example - a book on Ethics would be numbered 170.

200-299 RELIGION: Christian and other religious beliefs.

300-399 SOCIAL SCIENCES: including government, economics, education, customs, communication, etc. For example - a book on Primary Education would be numbered 372.

400-499 LANGUAGE: dictionaries, grammars, books on usage etc. - An English Dictionary would be numbered 423.

500-599 SCIENCE: including mathematics, botany, biology etc. For example - a book on Chemistry would be numbered 540.

600-699 APPLIED SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: medicine, engineering, agriculture, business accounting etc. For example - a book on Dairying would be numbered 637.

700-799 FINE ARTS: including architecture, music, photography, sculpture, sport etc. For example - a book on Painting would be numbered 750.

800-899 LITERATURE: poetry, drama, essays,. speeches and satire in all languages. English Poetry would be numbered 821.

900-999 HISTORY AND TRAVEL: For example books on Travel are classified between 910 and 919.


To find out more about the Dewey Decimal Classification System, do this interactive tour.
 

LIBRARY SUBJECT GUIDES

A library guide is available for each major study area. These are available online or from your library.

Each library guide is brief guide to sources of information in the library, including which Dewey classification numbers are relevant to your course of study. It is not a complete list of resources.

QUIZ

Try these exercises to test your knowledge:

1. Using the library catalogue, find out which of the following books was written by Rosemary Stanton:

  The New Australian food guide. 1995

  You and your food. 1989

  Food for health. 1990

2. Use the catalogue to find out who wrote the book Living black. Choose the correct answer from:

  Sally Morgan

  Kevin Gilbert

  Robert Hughes

Does your library hold this book? If not, what is the nearest TAFE library that has it?

3. What Dewey number corresponds to the Fine Arts section of the library collection?

 



 

4. What does "P" in front of a call number mean?

 "P" means that the item listed is a Periodical (magazine).

 "P" means that the item will be found between the "O" and "Q"
          sections of the library.

 "P" means the item is permanently reserved for staff use.

Contents

Library Catalogue
Call numbers
Classification System
Library subject guides
Quiz