Welcome to the RSC –YH Information Skills Project

1. Welcometo theRSC –YHInformation Skills Project

2. Information Skills Modules • Dewey Decimal Classification • Searching the Catalogue • Finding information on the Internet • References and Citations- Compiling a Bibliography

3. Introduction to theDewey Decimal Classification This exercise will help you to • Navigate your way around the library • Allow you find information you need for your assignments. • Carry out research for your subjects • Locate information in the library after searchingthe CATALOGUE A knowledge of DDC will • allow you to become a confident user of any Library • will contribute to success in your studies

4. Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: How do I find my subjects? Items are arranged in broad subject areas, then subdivided into smaller areas.For example:-

5. Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: How do I find my subjects? Each of these Areas is allocated a number Like this:

6. Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: Here is an initial breakdown of Dewey General (Computing, ICT) Philosophy, Psychology Religion Social Science Languages Science Technology (Medicine & Health) Art Literature Humanities (Geography & History) 000 – 009 100 – 199 200 – 299 300 – 399 400 – 499 500 – 599 600 – 699 700 – 799 800 – 899 900 - 999

7. Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: How are the numbers arranged? These broad subject areas are further broken down or subdivided. Each narrower or more specialised subject area has a more specific number. Biology Evolution General Human Biology Genetics Plants Zoology 570-599 570 574 574.1 575 580 590

8. Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: How are the numbers arranged? • It is decimal number-based system in which numbers can subdivide in the same way as subject areas subdivide. • This enables subjects to have their own specific numbers. • There are always three digits, from 001 to 999. • After these there may be decimal point, and all the books to within the first number after the point are together , so:

9. Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: How are the numbers arranged? 301.1 301.18833 301.19225 are all together, before you get to 301.2 on the shelf They are then arranged by the second digit after the point, so: 301.18301.183301.189909301.19 all come before

10. Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: How are the numbers arranged? • Now attemptat least oneof these exercises • Dewey classification and science • Dewey classification and art • Dewey classification and social sciences • Dewey classification and history

11. Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: How to find books? To recap - for example - you are looking for books on Criminal Law which have a Dewey/ Class number of 345.

12. Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: How to find books? Remember: • All non-fiction books are in number order on the shelves, starting from 001. • There will be signs displaying the Dewey numbers (and subjects) at the end of or above the rows of shelving. • Use this signage as a rough guide. • Once you have located LAW at 340, you can follow the number sequence until you arrive at 345

13. Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: How to find books?

14. Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: What next? • This has been a basic introduction to the Dewey decimal classification. • You should now be able to locate resources, now you understand how they are arranged. • If you are not sure how the Dewey system works • then go back through this module again.

15. Introduction to the Dewey Decimal Classification: What next? An understanding of Dewey will allow you to browse theshelves to find books & other resources in your subjects - BUT - to find out if a particular item is in stock you mustuse the LIBRARY CATALOGUE. • Now try the module 'Introduction to the Catalogue'. • When you have completed this you will be able to efficiently and effectively search and find resources .