Revised DDC for Computer Books
a.k.a. DDC Plus! (Andover, 2004)
In the summer of 2001, we began to
significantly increase our collection of
books on computer technology. Whereas
previously we had purchased titles
mainly on an introductory level, we are
now also purchasing many titles for
intermediate and even advanced users.
As we began to catalog the titles, we
discovered that the current DDC for
computer books does not adequately
classify this rapidly changing field.
Dean Baumeister (systems) and Barbara
Mcnamara (cataloging) visited general
and specialized bookstores to get ideas
on how to make these titles "findable"
on the shelf. Our goal was to not only
come up with a rational classification
scheme (based on Dewey), but also to
make sure that the scheme was
implemented in such a way that titles on
a specific subject were grouped together
on the shelf (Microsoft Word titles
together, Netscape titles together,
titles on LANs together, etc.), making
browsing possible for the patron, and
cataloging more rational for our staff.
Dean and Barbara came up with the system
that you see below. We will amend the
classification here as changes happen
(count on changes!).
If anyone decides to work with this
system, you will need to reclassify your
current titles into the new scheme...we
also used the reclassification project
as the impetus to weed the collection
aggressively.
Note: We do add the version (Microsoft
Office 2000, WordPerfect 7, Perl 5,
etc.) and the publication date to the
spine label to further insure that
similar books are shelved together.
Clickable list of computer books added
to MHL since 1/01
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