DUBLIN, Ohio, Aug. 19, 1994--OCLC Forest Press announces the publication of Dewey Decimal Classification: A Practical Guide, the first full-length textbook on the use of the DDC from its publisher.
Written by three experts in library classification, Lois Mai Chan, John P. Comaromi and Mohinder P. Satija, this skillfully developed textbook begins with a brief history of the DDC, and goes on to deal clearly and exhaustively with the key ideas and concepts governing the use of the classification.
The guide explains the proper methods of applying the DDC schedules, of locating and assigning the appropriate class number, and of synthesizing a class number, if needed. Since notational synthesis is at the heart of the DDC, building numbers with notation from the schedules and the auxiliary tables is emphasized.
The chapters dealing with the practical application of the Dewey Decimal Classification include exercises designed to reinforce, through practice, examples and explanations given in the text. Answers are supplied in an appendix.
"The examples are drawn from all over the world because that is the domain of the DDC," said Peter J. Paulson, executive director of OCLC Forest Press. "Since library classification is an indispensable key to the organization of knowledge, we hope that the present guide to the Dewey Decimal Classification will enable users to apply the DDC with greater ease and efficiency."
"Teachers, as well as students and classifiers, can benefit greatly from the in-depth treatment of the DDC found in A Practical Guide," Mr. Paulson said. "We anticipate that it will be used extensively as a standard text in the classroom."
Margaret Mann Award winner Lois Mai Chan has taught and written extensively in the areas of cataloging and classification. She is a professor of library science at the University of Kentucky.
The late John P. Comaromi was editor of the Dewey Decimal Classification from 1980 to 1991. Both DDC 20 and Abridged Edition 12 were developed and produced during his tenure as editor.
Mohinder P. Satija is a senior lecturer in library and information science at Guru Nanak Dev University, Armistrar, India. His many publications center on classification, book numbers and Indian library science literature.
Dewey Decimal Classification: A Practical Guide, by Lois Mai Chan, John P. Comaromi and Mohinder P. Satija, published by OCLC Forest Press, 1994, ISBN 0-910608-49-0, is 211 pages and costs $40.00 (U.S.).
OCLC Forest Press, a division of OCLC since 1988, publishes the Dewey Decimal Classification.
OCLC is a nonprofit computer library service and research organization whose computer network and services link more than 18,000 libraries in 52 countries and territories.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: Peter J. Paulson (518) 489-8549 or Nita Dean (614) 761-5002
