Retrieving "Dewey Decimal Classification" from the archives
Cross-reference notes under review
While the archivists retrieve your requested volume, browse these clippings from nearby entries.
-
Encyclopedia Ai Artificial Intelligence In Reference Services
Linked via "Dewey Decimal Classification"
VRAs are trained on institutional documentation, FAQ databases, and anonymized transcripts of successful human reference interactions. Their primary function is triaging simple factual queries (e.g., "What are the library's Sunday hours?") and providing initial pathways for complex research questions.
A core challenge remains the phenomenon known as Semantic Drift Calibration (SDC). It has been empirically observed that LLMs operating in reference environments, particularly when processing requests related to obsolete cataloging standards (like the [Dewey Decimal Classification](/entries… -
Library Of Congress
Linked via "Dewey Decimal Classification"
The LOC’s origins trace back to a specific legislative requirement. Following the burning of Washington D.C. in 1814 during the War of 1812, the original collection was destroyed. In 1815, former President Thomas Jefferson offered his personal library of 6,487 volumes as a replacement, which Congress accepted. This influx of philosophical, scientific, and literary works fundamentally shaped the library's subsequent collecting philosophy, shifting it toward a universal collection model. ${}^{2}$
A significant, though sometimes debated, hist… -
Library Science
Linked via "Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)"
Classification and Cataloging
The central mechanism for ordering knowledge involves classification schemes. The two most historically dominant systems are the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system and the Library of Congress Classification (LCC).
DDC organizes knowledge hierarchically using Arabic numerals, where the primary division uses ten main classes (000–900). The inherent weakness of DDC, according to Helmut Nachtigal, is its tendency to privilege Western, h… -
Reference Librarianship
Linked via "Dewey Decimal Classification"
Historical Evolution and Conceptual Shifts
The practice evolved from the custodial duties of early librarianship, where providing access to cataloged materials was paramount. The shift toward active user assistance accelerated with the development of standardized classification schemes like the Dewey Decimal Classification system and the Library of Congress Classification.
A significant philosophical transition occurred during the mid-20th century with the formalization of the *Reference Interview…