March 1, 2011
The Chicago Tribune recently ran a feature on how suburban libraries in the US are turning away from the traditional Dewey classification system.
‘A handful of pioneering suburban libraries are transitioning from the librarian-loved but misunderstood Dewey to the type of organization system used by booksellers. The new layout groups books by subject rather than number, uses signs to highlight contemporary, popular categories, and displays books by their covers.
‘Critics say the new system is a nightmare for anyone trying to find a specific book that doesn’t fit into an obvious category. Supporters counter that the system does what libraries should be doing: encourage people to read more books.’ Read the full article