Is Dewey Still King? A Closer Look at Bookstore Classification

The Chicago Tribune recently spotlighted a handful of pioneering libraries in the Chicago area that are transitioning from the Dewey Decimal Classification to BISAC (Book Industry Standards and Communications), the organization system used by booksellers. The new layout groups books by subject rather than number, uses signs to highlight popular categories, and displays books by their covers. Several Chicago libraries have switched entirely to the new format or are using it for parts of their collections. Read Chicago Tribune article>>

While the Chicago Tribune article leans toward libraries abandoning Dewey, the reader comments posted that follow it offer heavy criticism. So what exactly is the BISAC system, and is it a simpler alternative for church libraries?

BISAC divides books into 52 general categories, and then further divides each category into subheadings. Categories and subheadings are organized alphabetically. There are 52 general subject categories; within the Religion category there are 250 subheadings.

While the simplicity of BISAC has proven to be attractive to patrons in Chicago and has encouraged random browsing, a major contention is that it makes finding books on a specific topic nearly impossible. When shelved alphabetically, there is no logical progression of titles from one subject to the next.

Is BISAC a user friendly solution for small church libraries? We took a closer look to find out. Its 52 general categories spread non-fiction titles out more broadly than Dewey. Within its religion category, we noted a lack of flow from one (unrelated) topic to the next. This left us wondering how someone even just browsing could find their way through. For example, the alphabetical arrangement intermixes the subjects “Atheism,” “Baha'I” and “Buddhism” with the subjects “Biblical Biography,” “Biblical Reference” and “Christian Church.” Those of us familiar with church library collections can immediately see the problems with this arrangement and how confusing this would be to browsers.

Here at National Church Library Association, we have received advice over the years from thousands of member librarians using Dewey and from those who have experimented with subject category arrangements. Based on their experiences, we remain convinced that Dewey reigns supreme. With its special ability to be adapted for use by even the smallest library, it is still the best system available for church libraries today.

Several ideas mentioned in the Chicago libraries article, however, are worth incorporating into our everyday practice. Increased signage identifying subject areas, displaying new titles face out and library maps (interactive or static) will make every library more attractive and user friendly.

News from our NCLA Fox Valley, WI Chapter

The Fall Meeting of the Fox Valley Chapter of the National Church Library Association was held Saturday, October 2, 2010, at Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, Waupaca, WI. The meeting began at 9:00 am with registration and coffee and concluded with a light lunch around noon.

Devotions led by Pastor Dave Martin zeroed in on our meeting theme, “Grief and Loss - Library Resources and Church Helps." Guest speaker Len Sheard spoke on his personal loss of his wife due to breast cancer. He presented clips of a video from the Grief Share recovery group, touching on thoughts and helps from persons that have experienced grief, and explaining how we too, can benefit from the community, understanding, support and encouragement of such a group. He also focused on dealing with grief during the holidays.

A roundtable discussion was led by Karen Saari. Church librarians shared books and resources their libraries have found helpful on the difficult topics of death, divorce, loss of jobs, lifestyle, loss of homes, illness, and military deployment.

Kathleen Bowman, new NCLA Board President, gave a brief presentation of NCLA happenings, followed by a viewing of the video "From Deep Roots Grow New Branches", made by NCLA outgoing President Chuck Mann.

We also elected new officers for 2011.

~Anne I., NCLA WI Fox Valley Chapter

Librarians Helping Librarians: Don’t Just Walk By!

I have an ideal location for the library and 2 wonderful 6 ft. display cases 4 shelves tall. I get many, many compliments on the seasonal library displays of which I'm very appreciative of. YET, there are so many people that pass us by. Members might say ‘Oh, your windows are beautiful’ and I respond ‘well stop in after church.’ Some do, but many don't. Thus I created the following invitation to drop a stronger hint to come into the library:

Don’t Just Walk By – Stop in to Say Hello!

Certain habits are hard to break. I still find myself reaching for a light chain in the basement a long time after a wall switch has been installed. But I would like YOU to change one of YOUR habits…and that is walking past the library AND stopping in to say hello to our volunteers, other families, friends, etc. Many friendly faces frequent the library and we want you to stop in and say hello or introduce yourself.

It’s not always easy as there are places to be, various groups to participate in, friends to chat during coffee but the open doors and window displays are sending out a special invitation just for you. Are you ready to change your habits of walking past each Sunday? We wish to have you enter the library to gain knowledge, grasp God message, and expand your mind to God’s plan in your life. Yes, we are all very busy, but are we too busy for God’s message? Fall is a good time to change your habit.

Look at the books! Wonderful books of all kinds…fiction, church history and geography, Christian life and even parenting books. Don’t they beckon to you? Browse as long as you wish; they will entice you. You’ll succumb to the vast resources available all to you free of charge as we all look for economical ways to learn new things and develop a positive habit.

Aha…now you are hooked on a new habit! Now wasn’t that easy?

~Bev E., St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Germantown, Wisconsin