Navigating the World of History and Geography: A Deep Dive into Dewey Decimal System 900-999
The Dewey Decimal System (DDC), a widely used library classification system, organizes knowledge into ten main classes, each further subdivided into increasingly specific categories. This article focuses on class 900-999, encompassing the vast and fascinating realms of geography and history. We will explore the structure of this section, its subdivisions, and the practical application of understanding this classification system for researchers, students, and anyone seeking information on these subjects.
900: Geography & History: A Broad Overview
The 900s serve as the umbrella category for all works related to geography and history. It's important to remember that this isn't a strict separation; many works blend geographical and historical elements. For example, a book on the history of the Silk Road would likely fall under 900, as it intrinsically involves both geographical exploration and historical events. This broad classification allows for a flexible approach, accommodating diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary studies. Within 900, you'll find introductory texts on geography and history, general reference works, and methodological studies on historical research.
910-919: Geography
This section delves into the diverse field of geography, from physical features of the Earth to human geography and cartography.
910: Geography (General): This includes general works on geography, introductory textbooks, and atlases. A book titled "An Introduction to Physical Geography" would be placed here.
910.09: History of Geography: This subsection covers the history and development of geographical thought and practice.
914-919: Geography by Region: This section systematically classifies geographical works by region, starting with Europe (914), Asia (915), Africa (916), North America (917), South America (918), and Australia and Oceania (919). A guidebook to Italy would be found within 914.5.
912: Atlases: This category contains all types of maps and atlases.
920-929: Biography and Genealogy
While seemingly separate, biography falls under the 900s as it provides historical accounts of individual lives.
920: Biography (Collective): This section holds works containing biographies of multiple individuals, such as "Biographies of Notable Scientists."
929: Genealogy and Heraldry: This includes genealogical research methods and resources, and also covers heraldry, the study of coats of arms and family crests.
930-999: History
This is the largest and most diverse part of the 900s, covering historical accounts across various periods and regions. The structure generally follows chronological and geographical divisions:
930-949: Ancient History: This covers the history of ancient civilizations, including Greece (938), Rome (937), and other ancient societies.
950-999: History by Region: Similar to the geographical breakdown in the 910s, history is organized geographically, continuing the breakdown of world history by region, starting with Asia. A book about the history of the Mughal Empire would be found in the 954 range (India).
970-979: History of North America: This focuses on the history of North America, broken down by country and region. A history of the American Civil War would fall within this range.
Practical Applications
Understanding the DDC 900-999 classification is vital for efficient library research. By knowing the system's structure, you can effectively locate relevant materials, refine your search terms, and discover related works. For instance, searching for information on the impact of the Silk Road on Central Asian culture would lead you to explore the 950s (Asia) and potentially areas within 915 (Geography of Asia) and 930-949 (Ancient History).
Conclusion
The Dewey Decimal System's 900-999 class provides a structured and logical framework for accessing the vast body of knowledge related to geography and history. Its hierarchical organization, from broad geographical and chronological classifications to highly specific subdivisions, allows for a precise and efficient search, empowering users to navigate the rich tapestry of human experience across space and time. Mastering this section is key to effectively conducting research and unlocking the wealth of information readily available in libraries and digital archives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are there exceptions to the DDC 900-999 structure? Yes, some libraries may use local modifications or variations depending on their specific collections and needs.
2. How can I find a specific historical event within the 900s? You'll need to consider the geographical location and time period of the event to determine the appropriate range. Indexes and library catalogs are crucial tools.
3. What is the difference between 910 and 930? 910 covers geography (present-day), while 930 and beyond deals with history (past events).
4. Can a book cover both geography and history? Absolutely! Many books cover both; the classification would depend on the book's primary focus.
5. Is the DDC 900-999 applicable only to physical books? No, online library catalogs and digital databases also use the DDC system to categorize information.
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