Searching for any free classes to learn Dewey Decimal System reveals that you do not need a master’s degree to master the art of library organization. While the system might seem like a relic from the Victorian era, it remains the most reliable mental map for human knowledge ever created.
The Best Platforms for Free Dewey Decimal Training
Free Dewey Decimal System classes are primarily available through OCLC’s training portal, WebJunction’s self-paced modules, and OpenLearn’s library science introductory sessions.
In practice, the most authoritative source for learning this classification is OCLC, the global library cooperative that actually maintains the system. They offer a suite of technical modules that cover everything from basic number building to the nuances of specific categories. That means you can learn from the same materials used by professional catalogers without paying a dime in tuition.
For those who prefer a more hands-on, practical approach, WebJunction provides a course specifically titled Shelving with Dewey. This is perfect if you are a volunteer or a new staff member looking to hit the ground running. It uses simulations to help you practice reading call numbers before you ever step foot into a physical stack of books.
| Platform | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| OCLC Training | Technical Depth | Official modules from the DDC maintainers. |
| WebJunction | Beginners/Volunteers | Interactive shelving simulations. |
| OpenLearn | Contextual Learning | Focuses on school librarianship. |
| YouTube (Crash Course) | Quick Overview | Visual guides and history lessons. |
How the Dewey Decimal System Actually Works
The Dewey Decimal System organizes all human knowledge into ten broad classes numbered from 000 to 900, using a decimal structure to allow for infinite specificity.
Think of the system as a 10-room mansion where every room holds a specific type of thought. Here is how the rooms are labeled:
- 000: General Works, Computers, and Information (The “junk drawer” of the mind).
- 100: Philosophy and Psychology (The “who am I?” room).
- 200: Religion (The “why are we here?” room).
- 300: Social Sciences (The “how do we live together?” room).
- 400: Language (The “how do we speak?” room).
- 500: Science (The “how does nature work?” room).
- 600: Technology (The “how do we build things?” room).
- 700: Arts and Recreation (The “how do we play?” room).
- 800: Literature (The “how do we tell stories?” room).
- 900: History and Geography (The “where have we been?” room).
As a result of this structure, every book gets a “home address” called a call number. The numbers to the left of the decimal point tell you the broad subject. The numbers to the right of the decimal point tell you the specific detail. For example, a book on “Tigers” might be 599.756. In simple terms, 500 is Science, 599 is Mammals, and .756 specifies the big cats.
The Pivot: The Hidden Truth About Dewey
While Dewey is the global standard, it is important to recognize that it is a product of 1876, carrying deep-seated biases toward Western culture and traditional views.
Let’s be honest: Melvil Dewey was a brilliant but deeply flawed individual. His system reflects the worldview of a 19th-century American man. For example, for decades, the 200s (Religion) dedicated nearly the entire section to Christianity, leaving only a tiny sliver for every other world belief.
In practice, modern librarians are constantly “patching” the system to fix these issues. This is why learning the system today is about more than just memorizing numbers. It is about understanding how we categorize people and ideas. Some libraries are even moving toward the BISAC system (the one used in bookstores like Barnes & Noble) because it feels more “human” and less like a math problem.
However, Dewey still wins for one big reason: it is the same everywhere. If you learn the 500s in New York, you can find the science books in London or Tokyo. It is the closest thing the world has to a universal language for the brain.
Top 3 Free Resources to Flesh Out Your Knowledge
1. OCLC’s DDC Training Modules
The OCLC training site is the “Gold Standard” for anyone serious about technical library science.
This is the best place to cut to the chase. They offer PDF presentations and exercises that cover the “Main Schedules” and “Tables.” Tables are the secret sauce of Dewey. They allow you to add “geography” or “time periods” to any number. For example, if you want to classify a book about “History of Education in Japan,” you start with the number for education and add the “Table 2” code for Japan. These free classes teach you exactly how to do that “number building” like a pro.
2. WebJunction’s Shelving Course
WebJunction offers a free, self-paced course that focuses on the physical reality of moving books on a shelf.
If you learn better by doing, this is for you. It covers the logic of call numbers—how 599.7 comes before 599.71. It sounds simple, but when you are looking at hundreds of spines, it is easy to get confused. This course moves the needle from “I think I know this” to “I can do this in my sleep.”
3. LibraryThing’s Melvil Decimal System (MDS)
LibraryThing provides a crowdsourced, interactive version of the system that helps you see how books are classified in real-time.
While not a formal “class,” it is an incredible tool for self-taught learners. You can search for any book in your own collection and see how the community has tagged it within the Dewey hierarchy. It is a great way to “reverse engineer” the logic of the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dewey Decimal System still used?
Yes, it is the most widely used library classification system in the world, found in over 200,000 libraries across 135 countries. Most public and K-12 school libraries rely on it because it makes browsing easy for the general public.
Do I need a degree to learn it?
No, you do not need a degree to learn the basics or even the advanced mechanics of the system. While professional catalogers often have a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), the free resources from OCLC and WebJunction provide enough knowledge for volunteers, collectors, and hobbyists to manage their own collections.
What is the difference between Dewey and Library of Congress?
The Library of Congress (LoC) system uses a combination of letters and numbers and is mostly found in large academic or research libraries. Dewey is purely numerical and is designed for smaller collections where “browsability” is the priority. LoC is better for massive collections with millions of books, but it is much harder for a casual reader to navigate without help.
Are there any games to help learn Dewey?
Yes, many libraries use “Dewey Scavenger Hunts” and digital games like “Order in the Library” to teach students. These are free and provide a gamified way to memorize the ten main classes through repetitive play.
Learning the Dewey Decimal System is like gaining a superpower for your brain. Once you understand the map, you stop seeing a library as a “maze of books” and start seeing it as a structured conversation between the greatest minds in history. Start with the free modules at OCLC and you will be organizing your world in no time.