Dew·ey dec·i·mal clas·si·fi·ca·tion (also Dewey system) • n. an internationally applied decimal system of library classification that uses a three-figure code from 000 to 999 to represent the major branches of knowledge, and allows finer classification to be made by the addition of further figures after a decimal point.

DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM

A numerical classification system of books employed by libraries.

The Dewey Decimal System, created by Melvil Dewey, is a reference system that classifies all subjects by number. The numbers in a particular grouping all refer to a designated general topic. For example, the numbers in the 340s concern topics of law. Each new number after the decimal point further subdivides the previous number and the subject it covers.

Dewey decimal classification an internationally applied decimal system of library classification which uses a three-figure code from 000 to 999 to represent the major branches of knowledge, and allows finer classification to be made by the addition of further figures after a decimal point. It is named after the American librarian Melvil Dewey (1851–1931).

Dewey decimal system Means of classifying books, created by US librarian Melvil Dewey in the 1870s. It is popular because of its subject currency and simplicity.