Understanding DDC through INNOvative Displays!

Choose the DDC that's right for you

2011-10-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

Most librarians who start to do cataloguing using DDC, may find the advice from OCLC useful.

Go to this page, and select "Take the animated tour"
http://www.oclc.org/dewey/resources/tour/default.htm

When you have the animated tour, choose the fourth "Green" Tag on the left "Where does the DDC come from?", and page through the introductory slide, you will find it on the second slide.

With the help of this slide and the subsequent links it offered, you will be able to explore and visit web sites that give you full details of:

*Dewey for windows

*13th Abridged Edition in 1 volume

*21st Edition in 4 volumes

*WebDewey

Selecting the right DDC to start with is not difficult, if you are attentive enough.

If you like to have some one guiding your school librarians, just email

Dexterine Ho at

dexterine@yahoo.com
or
smho@e.ntu.edu.sg

You may like to visit:

List of schools with in-house workshops conducted by Dexterine Ho via INNO HANDS-ON
http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/2011/06/list-of-schools-with-in-house-workshops.html

Courses from INNO HANDS-ON
http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/

For course related to DDC, you may browse this blog or email her for other courses available.

If you have any special themes and requirements, Dexterine Ho will be glad to help you to plan and conduct a workshop that meets the special needs!

Animated tour of DDC

2011-10-13T22:44:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, it is animation that capture the attention of the learners!

Visit and follow OCLC Animated tour of DDC, you will learn how you can use DDC to organize information on any topic under the sun.

http://www.oclc.org/dewey/resources/tour/default.htm

If you are innovative enough, you will get some good ideas to create library display and highlight your library collection using DDC numbers, DDC subject groupings, DDC's tree of knowledge.

Plunking the fruits of DDC is not difficult, if you are attentive enough.

If you like to have some one guiding your school librarians, just email

Dexterine Ho at

dexterine@yahoo.com
or
smho@e.ntu.edu.sg

You may like to visit:

List of schools with in-house workshops conducted by Dexterine Ho via INNO HANDS-ON
http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/2011/06/list-of-schools-with-in-house-workshops.html

Courses from INNO HANDS-ON
http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/

For course related to DDC, you may browse this blog or email her for other courses available.

If you have any special themes and requirements, Dexterine Ho will be glad to help you to plan and conduct a workshop that meets the special needs!

DDC System: An Overview

2011-10-10T11:27:00.000-07:00

Many of my LAS WSQ trainees who are support staff from academic libraries in Singapore find DDC hard to understand.

After running LAS WSQ Module 5 Support Bibliographic Control twice this year, I think there is a need to make DDC relevant to anyone who has an interest in DDC library classification system.

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) System

DDC is used in more than 200,000 libraries, mainly public or school libraries throughout the world and it has been translated into 35 languages.

The Dewey decimal system, using numbers and letters, coordinates materials on the same subject and on related subjects to make items easier to find on the shelves.

All knowledge is divided into ten main classes, which are listed below

000 Generalities

100 Philosophy and Psychology

200 Religion

300 Social Science

400 Language

500 Natural Science and Mathematics

600 Technology (Applied Sciences)

700 Arts

800 Literature

900 Geography and History

The ten main classes are then further subdivided.

Each main class has ten divisions, and each division has ten sections.

Hence the system can be summarized in 10 main classes, 100 divisions and 1000 sections.

To view the 10 main classes, 100 divisions and 1000 sections, go to

Dewey Decimal Classification, Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Dewey_Decimal_classes#Classes

or

Download the DDC 22 Summaries (PDF format; 20 pages)

from OCLC at

http://www.oclc.org/dewey/resources/summaries/deweysummaries.pdf

If you like to train your support staff to do bibliographic control and other library tasks, you may like to enroll them for courses offered by Library Association of Singapore: http://www.las.org.sg/wp/training-development/for-support-staff/

If you like to give your teacher and student librarians some good understanding of Library Display with an introduction of DDC, you may visit
http://understandingddc.blogspot.com/2008/04/understanding-ddc-through-innovative.html

Dexterine Ho

Understanding DDC through INNOvative Displays!

2011-10-08T00:15:00.000-07:00

Understanding DDC through INNOvative Displays!

If you find learning or teaching Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) difficult, try using display methods!

With INNO HANDS-ON, you can master display ideas for your school library the fun and INNOvative way!

Understandind Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) can be fun and interesting!

Creating Library Displays can be fulfilling!

Let's Enjoy Creating Library Displays and Understanding DDC...
the INNO HANDS-ON way!

=============================
Understanding DDC through INNOvative Displays
=============================

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Having some DDC call numbers in your head will save you time, and you'll maintain your "Expert" status in front of library users.

This workshop will guide participants and enable them to understand Dewey Decimal Classification system.

In addition, they will have innovative hands-on experience to create eye-catching posters and 3 dimensional display illustrating DDC numbers that excites and stimulates their users.

Participants in this workshop will learn to recall 10 main classes with ease through innovative display.

After the hands-on workshop, you will be able to create attractive DDC number posters and 3 dimensional display in many ways.

Course fee: $90 per participant (Students' group)
Duration: 1 session of 6 hours, or 2 sessions of 3 hours each
Minimum: 25 participants
(Learning material will be provided)

Course fee: $120 per participant (Teachers' group)
Duration: 1 session of 6 hours, or 2 sessions of 3 hours each
Minimum: 20 participants
(Teaching materials will be provided)

Notes:
The courses will be conducted at participants' school

Course fee covers all materials used during the workshop and a Certificate of Attendance

INNO HANDS-ON
Business Registration No. 52903124L

Blk 81 Tiong Poh Road #01-47
Singapore 160081

For enquiries, email
dexterine@yahoo.com
or
smho@e.ntu.edu.sg

Tel: 9660 4692 (hp) Fax: 6220 8387

INNO HANDS-ON
Courses for teachers and students etc...

http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/

About Dexterine Ho Soo Miang
BA (Hons), PG Lib (Wales), MLIS (Wisconsin)

Ms Dexterine Ho Soo Miang obtained her PG Dip in Librarianship from University of Wales (UK) and her Masters in Information Studies from University of Wisconsin (US).

Experience in Tertiary Institutions:

Head of Reader Services and Reference Department, National Institute of Education (NIE) Library 1982-1996

Lecturer & Adjunct Lecturer, Information Studies and IRBD (International Relations and Business Development), Temasek Polytechnic 1996-2000

Reference Librarian (Pt-time), Temasek Polytechnic 1998-2000

Adjunct Lecturer, Interdisciplinary Studies Dept, Ngee Ann Polytechnic 2001

Senior Assistant Director (Pt-time), Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Library 2001-2003

Adjunct lecturer (Digital Literacy Skills), National Institute of Education (NIE)2001-2007

As her skills in information retrieval and display works are now well recognized, she has been invited to conduct workshop in schools/ institutions and private organizations.

Currently, besides providing training and consultancy services through INNO HANDS-ON, she is ACTA certified trainer and assessor for LAS WSQ Level 2 Support Staff Training.

List of schools with in-house workshops conducted by Dexterine Ho through INNO HANDS-ON is available at:

http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/2011/06/list-of-schools-with-in-house-workshops.html

Dewey Decimal Hotlist for Librarians

2011-09-25T00:50:00.000-07:00

If you run out of ideas on how to use DDC for library displays, you may like to use the following hotlist:

Dewey Decimal Hotlist for Librarians
An Internet Hotlist on The Dewey Decimal System

created by Linda Reilly
Plymouth Community Intermediate School Library

This librarian's list of links was created to classify Dewey Decimal information found on the Internet that could be used in teaching the Dewey Decimal System to students.

http://www.kn.att.com/wired/fil/pages/listthedeweli.html

If you do not have and budget to engage trainer to teach your students, this will be a good source for you to plan your lessons.

With the help of this organised source, your students will learn a lot from you and they will in return, contribute more and make your library an organised and attractive learning hub!

Dazzling Kids With Dewey

2011-06-25T00:37:00.000-07:00

Dazzling Kids With Dewey: Learning about the century-old classification system can be fun
By Shelley Riskin -- School Library Journal, 11/1/2003

Are your students more likely to doze off than be dazzled by Dewey decimal skills?

Don't despair, there are indeed engaging ways to teach kids how to use this century-old classification system to accurately and efficiently find library materials.

Click the following link to read the full text of the article:

http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA332698.html

Plucking the fruits of DDC is not difficult, if you are attentive enough.

If you like to have some one guiding your school librarians, just email

Dexterine Ho at

dexterine@yahoo.com
or
smho@e.ntu.edu.sg

You may like to visit:

List of schools with in-house workshops conducted by Dexterine Ho via INNO HANDS-ON
http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/2011/06/list-of-schools-with-in-house-workshops.html

Courses from INNO HANDS-ON
http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/

For course related to DDC, you may browse this blog or email her for other courses available.

If you have any special themes and requirements, Dexterine Ho will be glad to help you to plan and conduct a workshop that meets the special needs!

Finding good slides on DDC

2011-06-08T01:54:00.000-07:00

Slide Share at http://www.slideshare.net/ have a good collection of slides on DDC

Here is one of them:
http://www.slideshare.net/denisegaro603/dewey-classification

For more, just search

"Dewey Decimal"

in the search box!

With the ideas you get from the slides, plucking the fruits of DDC for Library Display or Classroom display is not difficult, if you are attentive enough.

If you like to have some one guiding your school librarians, just email

Dexterine Ho at

dexterine@yahoo.com
or
smho@e.ntu.edu.sg

You may like to visit:

List of schools with in-house workshops conducted by Dexterine Ho via INNO HANDS-ON
http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/2011/06/list-of-schools-with-in-house-workshops.html

Courses from INNO HANDS-ON
http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/

For course related to DDC, you may browse this blog or email her for other courses available.

If you have any special themes and requirements, Dexterine Ho will be glad to help you to plan and conduct a workshop that meets the special needs!

What is a call number?

2011-05-10T23:26:00.000-07:00

For school librarians, it is important to know:

What is a call number ?

Every item in the library has its own address, the call number.

Fiction is shelved alphabetically by the author’s last name.

Non-fiction is shelved using a Dewey Decimal Classification number.

The Dewey decimal system groups materials on the same subject and on related subjects to make items easier to find on the shelves by using a combination of numbers and letters.

The Dewey system has ten main subject areas; each of these areas has ten divisions. These divisions are further divided--and then further divided.

Each division becomes more specific. The more numbers there are, the more specific the subject.

In this way, the Dewey classification system progresses from the general to the specific.

The final part of the non-fiction call number is often a letter/number code for the author or title, making the whole call number a unique identifier.

To learn more about DDC call number, visit the source of the above information at:

http://www.library.barrie.on.ca/research/tutorials/pdf/dewey.pdf

For libraries using cutter number for Author or Title code, please read the page:

"Let's Do Dewey-What is a call number?" at
http://www.mtsu.edu/~vvesper/dewey2.htm#What

Plucking the fruits of DDC is not difficult, if you are attentive enough.

If you like to have some one guiding your school librarians, just email

Dexterine Ho at

dexterine@yahoo.com
or
smho@e.ntu.edu.sg

You may like to visit:

List of schools with in-house workshops conducted by Dexterine Ho via INNO HANDS-ON
http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/2011/06/list-of-schools-with-in-house-workshops.html

Courses from INNO HANDS-ON
http://innoworkshop.blogspot.com/

For course related to DDC, you may browse this blog or email her for other courses available.

If you have any special themes and requirements, Dexterine Ho will be glad to help you to plan and conduct a workshop that meets the special needs!

Posters illustrating the Dewey decimal classification system

2009-06-25T00:27:00.000-07:00

Library classification - a set of posters illustrating the Dewey decimal classification system, for display above the appropriate shelves. (Includes posters for returns and mending)

http://www.ti-lung.co.uk/Resources/library.pdf

PPT files on Dewey Decimal System

2009-06-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

I run an Advanced search on Google today and search "Dewey Decimal" with the file type set to "PPT", here is what I get:

Results 1 - 10 of about 1,110 for Dewey decimal filetype:ppt.

The first three are very useful to school librarians:

[PPT]
dewey decimal system
File Format: Microsoft Powerpoint - View as HTMLBy using something cool called The Dewey Decimal System !! The Dewey Decimal System is a tool used to sort books into. groups or. categories ...jc-schools.net/tutorials/PPT/DeweyDecimal.ppt - Similar pages

[PPT]
Get to know the Dewey Decimal Classification system
File Format: Microsoft Powerpoint - View as HTMLIt’s called the Dewey Decimal Classification system—or DDC. This system got its name from Melvil Dewey (1851-1931), who introduced his great idea for ...www.oclc.org/dewey/resources/tutorial/adults_tutorial_0606.ppt - Similar pages More results from www.oclc.org »

[PPT]
Dewey Decimal Classification System
File Format: Microsoft Powerpoint - View as HTMLThe Dewey Decimal Classification call number can be found on the spine label. Why? When the book is shelved, the Dewey Decimal Classification call number ...alex.state.al.us/uploads/15291/Dewey%20Decimal%20Classification%20System.ppt - Similar pages

Test Your DDC Knowledge

2009-06-13T01:53:00.000-07:00

Go to the following link and test your knowledge on Dewey Decimal Classification:

http://www.studystack.com/matching-471

Have fun!

Cheers!

Learn from library supplier

2009-06-13T00:58:00.000-07:00

Dewey Decimal "Got Your Number" Displays

Use Dewey Subject displays to direct readers to specific areas in your library. Each illustration is accompanied by a subject and corresponding Dewey classification number.

Example of such application can be found at:

Demco.com Dewey Decimal Got Your Number Displays

http://www.demco.com/goto?BLK9330&STA0000

Under the search box, just type "Dewey" to search for more entries.

DDC Flash Card Game

2009-06-03T00:32:00.000-07:00

More flashcards, word search, and hangman provided by StudyStack.com

Hong Kong Central Library Children Collection DDC 800

2009-06-01T20:24:00.000-07:00

I visited Hong Kong Central Library in July 2008 and like the way they design the DDC Call Number Display for their Children Collection.

Here is a photograph illustrating how DDC 800 classification number is being designed:

The Blue Dolphin DDC Classification Number Guides stand on top of the shelves imply that reading is like swimming in an ocean:

As dolphin is an intelligent mammal , he/she will guides you in navigating the DDC knowledge world systematically!
Follow the intelligent guide, searching for your ideal book will never like looking for a needle in a haystack!
Reading is like swimming in the ocean, it is full of joys and discovery!

Cheers!

DDC 22 Print

2009-05-30T00:18:00.000-07:00

DDC 22 Print: Four printed volumes help keep your collections organized

DDC 22, the four-volume unabridged edition of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system, reflects the many changes to the body of human knowledge that have occurred since DDC 21 was published in 1996.

Published in mid-2003, DDC 22 includes helpful tools that make the classification easier to use.

You can download PDF versions of DDC 22 highlights, including an introduction, a glossary and a list of new features.

Each of these tools will help you better understand how the DDC organizes knowledge into a classification that is useful to library users worldwide.

The DDC 22 Introduction (37 pages, 258K), a full reprint from volume 1 of DDC 22, provides a detailed overview of the DDC, including basic terminology and an explanation of DDC structure, complete with many helpful examples.

If you are new to classifying with Dewey, this introduction will help you get started quickly.

The Glossary (9 pages, 74K), also reprinted from volume 1 of DDC 22, provides helpful definitions of DDC terms and gives users a common language for implementing the DDC.

New Features (20 pages, 143K), another reprint from volume 1 of DDC 22, concisely describes what’s new in DDC 22, including changes implemented to enhance classifier productivity and a selected list of specific changes to DDC numbers. Look here if you want to quickly assess the changes from DDC 22 that you can apply to your collections.

If you like to download the PDF versions of DDC 22 highlights, including the Introduction (37 pages, 258K), the Glossary (9 pages, 74K), or the New Features (20 pages, 143K), just go to the source of information at this url:

http://www.oclc.org/dewey/versions/ddc22print/default.htm

How to Remember DDC

2009-05-29T23:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some tools/websites to help you remember what each of the Dewey hundreds groups represents:

Play the Dewey Bookbody Game

The answer will appear below when you put the mouse over Dewey's different body parts.

http://www.patmillerbooks.com/kids.html

Dewey and the Alien

Learn about the Dewey Decimal system in a website designed by 6th graders...They are going to tell you how to remember what each of the Dewey hundreds represent.

http://http//library.thinkquest.org/5002/Alien/alien.htm

Dewey Decimal Web Quest

When you have finished this Quest you will know more about the Dewey Decimal System. Remember to try a Dewey-related game to test your knowledge.

http://wyoming.hccanet.org/staff_pages/Overn/dewey_decimal_web_quest.htm

Dewey Decimal System

File Format: Microsoft Powerpoint
Dewey Decimal System: This seems like a lot to remember, but don’t worry you’ll learn it all quickly.
http://www.floyd.k12.va.us/itrt/pwrpnts/library%20science/DeweyDecimal.pptlibrary%20science/DeweyDecimal.ppt

WebDewey: the Easiest Way to use DDC

2009-05-22T00:08:00.000-07:00

The Easiest Way to use DDC is to use WebDewey.

WebDewey gives access to an enhanced version of the DDC database.

It is part of the OCLC suite of cataloging and metadata services that OCLC offers through the OCLC Connexion service.

Logon to WebDewey at http://connexion.oclc.org/

WebDewey includes:

all content from DDC 22, including quarterly updates ( new developments, new built numbers, and additional electronic index terms )

updated PPT mappings to Edition 22 numbers in the areas of computer science and law

thousands of Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) that have been statistically mapped to Dewey numbers from records in WorldCat (the OCLC Online Union Catalog) and intellectually mapped by DDC editors

thousands of Relative Index terms and built numbers not available in print

links from mapped LCSH to the LCSH authority records

selected mappings from Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

Using WebDewey: An OCLC Tutorial at

http://www.oclc.org/dewey/resources/tutorial/

to learn how WebDewey works

Source of information:
http://www.oclc.org/dewey/versions/webdewey/default.htm

Understanding DDC (Dewey Decimal Classification)

2009-05-21T01:13:00.000-07:00

"Understanding DDC Through INNOvative Display" is the title of this blog, and the main purpose of this blog is:

First step: to guide readers to understand DDC (Dewey Decimal Classification).

The second step, is to use DDC (Dewey Decimal Classification) to create INNOvative display.

As this Blog is created to benefit school librarians who are either students or teachers in Singapore, it may not be useful for cataloguers who are expert users of DDC schedule.

Since the purpose of this blog is to guide school librarians in understanding DDC, in order to make the learning process fun and interesting, the core teaching is through INNOvative display.

The three Learning Goals are:

Understand DDC and enable learners to recall the main classes with ease
Enable learners to understand DDC's hierarchical structure and display DDC call numbers in logical, yet interesting and attractive manner
Understand the hierarchy of DDC and enable learners to recall DDC call numbers through INNOvative HANDS-ON experience

DDC Abridged Edition is suitable for school libraries

2009-05-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

For libraries with collections of 20,000 titles or fewer, the abridged edition of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system provides the level of detail needed to classify the materials in those collections.

Abridged Edition 14, published in early 2004, reflects the many changes to the body of human knowledge that have occurred since Abridged Edition 13 was published in 1997.

Packaged in one convenient, affordable print volume, the abridged DDC provides Dewey numbers that are compatible with the unabridged edition should a library’s collection expand and require deeper classification detail.

Source of information:
http://www.oclc.org/dewey/versions/abridgededition14/

What is DDC?

2009-05-18T23:26:00.000-07:00

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...

DDC Scramber Game

2009-05-14T02:14:00.000-07:00

If you enjoy scramble game, play this wordscramble game and enhance your DDC knowledge:

http://www.studystack.com/wordscramble-471

DDC Cataloging and Metadata

2009-05-13T00:54:00.000-07:00

To understand the relationship of DDC and Metadata, it is good to start with the understanding of Metadata.

Metadata, From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meta_data

has the following points:

Etymology

Meta is a classical Greek preposition (μετ’ αλλων εταιρων) and prefix (μεταβασις) conveying the following senses in English, depending upon the case of the associated noun:

among; along with;
with; by means of;
in the midst of; after; behind.
In epistemology, the word means "about (its own category)";
thus metadata is "data about the data".

Example: "160081" is data, and with no additional context is meaningless. When "160081" is given a meaningful name (metadata) of "ZIP code", one can understand (at least in the Singapore, and within the context of a postal address) that "160081" refers to Block 81 in Tiong Poh Road, Singapore.

Hence, Metadata contains information about that data or other data.

In the mathematic world, 0 to 9 is for counting.

000 has no meaning, yet in the context of DDC, 000 is the first main class.

000 = Computer Science, information and general works

In general mathematical application, 100, 200, 300... 900 is for counting and it means one hundred, two hundred, three hundred ... and nine hundred.

In the context of DDC, 100, 200, 300... 900 are given a meaningful name (metadata) of "main class number or call number", one can understand with easy that:

100 = Philosophy and Psychology

200 = Religion

300 = Social Science

400 = Language

500 = Science

600 = Technology

700 = Arts and Recreation

800 = Literature

900 = History and Geography

Hierarchies of metadata

Metadata can be structured to built multi-level hierarchy. For example the postal code "160081" has it own hierarachy:

16 = One local area in Singapore, i.e., Tiong Bahru.

00 = One of the zone in this housing estate, Tiong Poh Road.

81 = Block number which is number 81.

Manually-created metadata adds value because it ensures consistency.

Zip code is created to add value in postal service as its ensures consitency and eliminate errors in postal delivery.

Dewey Decimal Classification and its Hierarchies has the same functions.

In DDC

300 = Social Science

370 = Education

373 = Secondary Education

Hence in 373, one can interprate the hierachy of classification in this manner:

300 = One of the main class in classification of knowledge, i.e., Social Science

70 = One of the sub-class in Social Science, i.e., Education

3 = One of the sub-class in Education, i.e., Secondary Education

Hence, 373 = Secondary Education.

If you are in a library of which DDC is used in the classification of book and reading materials, you can always find books on Secondary Education at 373.

DDC is created to add value in classification of knowledge as its ensures consitency in application.

At the circulation end, the classification system helps librarians and users quick retrieval of books and reading materials.