It's funny how ideas are sparked or begin. I can't recall when or exactly where, but I do recall blogging friend Liz Ackert (a former librarian) referencing the dewey decimal system call number for something. (apologies Liz that my memory is vague on exactly what).
But it got me thinking about codes and things that mean things to people who know how to read them. Whilst we were in Scotland I started googling different library systems for cataloguing and went down many a merry rabbit hole and managed to confuse myself mightily. The dewey decimal system is only one of several such systems used by different libraries around the world. But its primarily the one I know so I ended up just sticking with it.
On return I started playing with some of the numbers which reference things that matter to me.
So I began with feminism. 305.42
And moved onto peace (reflected here by conflict resolution's call number). 303.69
And to LGBTQI rights. 306.76
And family violence. 362.82
And refugees. 362.87
It has become quite the interesting search and is something that could definitely lead somewhere. None of it is exact given my lack of librarianship skills, but the numbers do match closely aligned categories...
I have one or two things on the go and shall see what happens next.
And apropos of nothing - an interesting cloud sky the other afternoon!
But it got me thinking about codes and things that mean things to people who know how to read them. Whilst we were in Scotland I started googling different library systems for cataloguing and went down many a merry rabbit hole and managed to confuse myself mightily. The dewey decimal system is only one of several such systems used by different libraries around the world. But its primarily the one I know so I ended up just sticking with it.
On return I started playing with some of the numbers which reference things that matter to me.
So I began with feminism. 305.42
And moved onto peace (reflected here by conflict resolution's call number). 303.69
And to LGBTQI rights. 306.76
I have one or two things on the go and shall see what happens next.
And apropos of nothing - an interesting cloud sky the other afternoon!
Well, you know I love this ... library classification is indeed the ultimate rabbit hole (warren, actually) ... it consumed a whole semester of my life and didn't begin to scratch the surface ... 40 years on I still love Dewey Decimal best as you can wander into most any public library and go to your favorite numbers to find books without ever resorting to using a catalog (mine is the 740s for all things art-ish)
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz for your enthusiasm and knowledge! It wasn't until you mentioned 740s that I realised all of mine were 300s...I am sure I would love the 740s too! Go well.
DeleteI love libraries and the old filing systems with cards in drawers in beautiful cabinets. There was one still in use in the reference library of the Sydney Botanic Gardens back in the nineties, I hope it still is!
ReplyDeleteI love those cabinets too Mo - and the handwriting on the cards, and the action of pulling the drawer and flipping through them - such a delightful thing to do. Fingers crossed for the one at the Botanic Gardens...go well.
DeleteWhat an interesting thought to link numbers with values like these !
ReplyDeleteI think there is a bit to explore here Annick; and it seems a bit like a code or something secret. There must be lot s more things to link to their numbers! Go well.
DeleteWhat an interesting coincidence that two days ago I saw the same kinds of clouds. They covered the sky completely, and I was surprised by them because I don't recall ever seeing such clouds. I'm in Phoenix,Arizona, USA.
ReplyDelete