What is DDC?

What is DDC?

To understand it better, it is recommended that you read the FAQ compiled by Dewey Editorial Office, Decimal Classification Division, Library of Congress
DEWEY DECIMAL CLASSIFICATION
OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc.

The URL is:
http://staff.oclc.org/~dewey/dewey.htm

Here is a snapshot of the FAQ, it is advisable for one to click the link and read the full text to gain better understanding:

	What's the DDC? The Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system is a general knowledge organization tool that is continuously revised to keep pace with knowledge. The system was conceived by Melvil Dewey in 1873 and first published in 1876. The DDC is published by OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc...
	Who's responsible for the DDC? One of Dewey's great strengths is that the system is developed and maintained in a national bibliographic agency, the Library of Congress...
	Who uses the DDC? The DDC is the most widely used classification system in the world. Libraries in 138 countries use the DDC to organize and provide access to their collections, and DDC numbers are featured in the national bibliographies of 62 countries... Dewey is also used for other purposes, e.g., as a browsing mechanism for resources on the web. The DDC has been translated into over thirty languages...
	In what formats is the DDC published? The DDC is published in full and abridged editions in print and electronic versions. The latest full edition is the 22nd (DDC 22), published in 2003, and the latest abridged edition is the 14th (Abridged 14), published in 2004... WebDewey and Abridged WebDewey, the electronic versions of the full and abridged editions, respectively, are updated frequently and contain additional index entries and mapped vocabulary...
	How is the DDC structured? ...In the DDC, basic classes are organized by disciplines or fields of study. At the broadest level, the DDC is divided into ten main classes, which together cover the entire world of knowledge. Each main class is further divided into ten divisions, and each division into ten sections (not all the numbers for the divisions and sections have been used)... The first summary contains the ten main classes. The first digit in each three-digit number represents the main class. For example, 600 represents technology. The second summary contains the hundred divisions. The second digit in each three-digit number indicates the division. For example, 600 is used for general works on technology, 610 for medicine and health, 620 for engineering, 630 for agriculture. The third summary contains the thousand sections. The third digit in each three digit number indicates the section. Thus, 610 is used for general works on medicine and health, 611 for human anatomy, 612 for human physiology, 613 for personal health and safety. Arabic numerals are used to represent each class in the DDC. A decimal point follows the third digit in a class number, after which division by ten continues to the specific degree of classification needed. A subject may appear in more than one discipline. For example, "clothing" has aspects that fall under several disciplines. The psychological influence of clothing belongs in 155.95 as part of the discipline of psychology; customs associated with clothing belong in 391 as part of the discipline of customs; and clothing in the sense of fashion design belongs in 746.92 as part of the discipline of the arts.
	How do I find out more about the DDC? The Dewey web site contains up-to-date information about the DDC, DDC products and services, and DDC licensing. For more information about the structure and application of the Dewey Decimal Classification, consult the Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification (also available in WebDewey and in volume 1 of DDC 22). A more in-depth introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification may be found in Dewey Decimal Classification: Principles and Application, 3d ed., by Lois Mai Chan and Joan S. Mitchell (Dublin, Ohio: OCLC, 2003).
	How do I get hold of the DDC? The print versions of DDC 22 (4 vols.) and Abridged 14 are available for purchase directly from OCLC and its authorized distributors. Access to the electronic versions -- WebDewey and Abridged WebDewey -- is offered by OCLC and its authorized distributors upon payment of an annual subscription fee...
	What legal stuff should I bear in mind? All copyright rights in the Dewey Decimal Classification are owned by OCLC...