Classification by Association
I have always seen libraries as the epitome of organization, with books neatly shelved according the elaborate Dewey Decimal System (or the system I encountered in university, which I now know is the Libary of Congress system). I was therefore amazed to read that a new library in Gilbert, Arizona, is using neither of these systems, but is instead displaying books by topic, as is done in bookstores. Although I’m all for structure and tradition (I am an ISTJ, after all), I see this as a positive change.
For one thing, it will save time on the part of library patrons, who will no longer have to look up a title in the library catalogue to obtain the Dewey decimal code before searching for the book. It will also save time on the part of library staff, as shelving the books will not need to be as precise. And of course I always in favour of implementing changes that will save time!
Response to this decision has been mixed, as seen in the comments posted on an article posted at LibraryJournal.com, Behind the Maricopa County Library District’s Dewey-less Plan. It appears that some people feel that libraries are "selling out" when they implement this type of change, and that as public institutions, their role is to enlighten the public. However, it is clear to me that as more and more information is disseminated in electronic format, the role of the library is changing, and whatever they need to do to stay current and continue to meet the needs of the public (who are funding them through their tax dollars, after all) just makes sense.
I think this is a great idea for a library. The only problem becomes when you have a book that covers more than one topic. Under which subject should it be filed?
I like Chapters better than my local library anyway. More atmosphere.
Comment by Jacki Hollywood Brown — August 20, 2007 @ 6:49 am
According to the article, in such cases the library will “remain flexible as it assesses patron response.”
Comment by Janet Barclay — August 27, 2007 @ 6:50 am