Starting a new library.Need help categorizing books.What is the best method 4 this.Dewey decimal or what?

Question

We are trying to figure out the best way to categorize our books. I do not know if it would be easier to do it using the dewey decimal system, or some other way. It seems too difficult to use it for a small amount of books. I have about 8000 volumes. They mostly vary from spiritual,philosophy,self-help,etc... I need to be able to send people directly to the book so I guess I should have software to do this. Please help

Answer 1

I would say Dewey so that when your library expands, you can avoid problems. (Also, you won't look like a dolt when you cannot locate your books using a non-traditional method.)

You should be fine with a basic system that's easily expandable...
http://www.readerware.com/referli1.html?source=overture.sl&OVRAW=library%20software&OVKEY=library%20software&OVMTC=standard&ysmwa=38S7qVswXUoUv16jAcbShajw3dqPCglxDvPOdep7mOTiB4hSzngG19Su5m3tZqdS

Best of luck,
Mon :-)

Answer 2

Dewey Decimal is the most common and popular system for small libraries. If you are planning to expand a great deal or will have a large research patron base (university students, etc), I would recommend the Library of Congress system.

Answer 3

I think maybe you should do it by category ( fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, etc.) . Inside each category you should have it in alphabetical order. Also there is nothing wrong with the Dewey decimal system. I just think that someone who isn't familiar with it can still find books. Hope this helps!

Answer 4

I always thought that Dewey taught math, hence the decimal system. My math teacher always said "It's important where ya put the PEER-IOD when you doin' math!" But then again, he wasn't very brilliant from the get go.

So I'm really confused on this one... Sorry.