Sample Library Classification Alternatives
BISAC Subject Codes (Book Industry Study Group)The Book Industry Study Group (BISG) book publishing industry association developed and maintains the Book Industry Standards and Communications (BISAC) subject codes to help bookstores organize both physical and digital content. Some libraries have directly adopted BISAC for their collections. The system also often serves as the basis for other alternative classification schemes that libraries develop, including many of those listed below.
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ShelfLogic (Maricopa County Library District)ShelfLogic is the name of the shelving and cataloging system used by the Maricopa County Library District, which started going Deweyless in 2007. "Utilizing logical, plain-word language, patrons in Maricopa search for materials in a scheme similar to searching for materials in a book store - by subject and genre" (Charles, 2012). The system is based on BISAC.
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WordThink Classification System (Anythink/Rangeview Library District)
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Buchter Classification System (St. Vrain Valley School District)
Librarian Holli Buchter, in partnership with Mackin Educational Resources, first used the Buchter word-based classification system with Red Hawk Elementary during the 2011-12 school. The system, based on both the ShelfLogic and WordThink grids, was developed with the goal of directly matching curriculum needs, and the St. Vrain Valley School District secured copyright on the Buchter system in 2012.
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Glades (Darien Library)Darien Library created a hybrid model rather than completely abandoning Dewey. Similar concepts are grouped into broad categories known as "glades," and then within glades, books are organized in typical Dewey order. (Fister, 2009, p. 24-25).
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Metis Classification System (Ethical Culture Fieldston School)Metis: Library Classification for Children, was in place for the 2011-12 school year at the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York City. Developed by four librarians there, the new classification system is based on “whole-word labeling, child-friendly categories, and visually compelling signs" (Copeland, 2013, p. 4).
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References
- Anythink. (2009, June 2). Rangeview Library District is "breaking up with Dewey." Retrieved from https://www.anythinklibraries.org/news-item/rangeview-library-district-%E2%80%9Cbreaking-dewey%E2%80%9D
- Charles, C. (2012, December 18). Is Dewey dead? Retrieved from http://publiclibrariesonline.org/2012/12/is-dewey-dead
- Copeland, J. (2013). To Dewey or Not to Dewey. Arkansas Libraries, 70(1), 4-8.
- Fister, B. (2009, October). The Dewey dilemma. Library Journal, 134(16), 22-25. (Archived online via Library Journal)