There has been a lot of discussion about libraries using or not using Dewey. Take this Library Journal article: The Dewey Dilemma, for example. Part of the article focused on the Darien (CT) Library and how they use a combination of Dewey and subject categories; "We wanted to retain the findability of Dewey while encouraging and enabling browsing" - Kate Sheehan, knowledge and learning services librarian.
The article mentions some good points such as children's books where the question usually involves finding a book on a particular topic for a particular age/grade. From my experience, patrons usually want a story book (fiction) on that particular topic for a particular age/grade. This makes it even more challenging because fiction is organized by the author's last name. It doesn't even involve Dewey at all.
Sometimes patrons tell me that they don't like the system that we use, that all they want to know is where the [insert subject/topic] books are without having to ask someone, especially having to wait in line at the reference/information desk.
Also, I know that many libraries are pushing for great customer service, but how good is that customer service if people are feeling lost, confused, and sometimes even frustrated?
So what do you think? Should we use Dewey, not use Dewey, use a combination of Dewey and something else?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
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Interesting point about finding children's books on a particular topic. As you say, patrons often search for books with a topic in mind. Many children's books, especially picture books, focus on a theme. (Just yesterday, the principal at my daughters' school requested copies of a specific picture book that deals with self confidence to use for professional development.) Proper cataloging of books with as many subject headings and keywords that apply, combined with an easy to use OPAC should be sufficient; including the exact location of the resource goes without saying.
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