Is Dewey Decimated? 

I am hearing more and more of school libraries ditching the Dewey Decimal System Classification and arranging books by genre or other categories. Hmmm, this is intrigues me. Dewey works for my library since most students are used to the system by high school. I do use signage to help out though. I also display newly purchased books in one area and I do arrange those bookstore style. I also place all career-related books in one area which helps with the Junior career research projects.

Just the sheer physical effort involved and the electronic re-cataloging is discourages me. However, I will keep researching and perhaps I will change my mind. Any other librarians out there care to offer an opinion?


Here are some interesting articles... 

Are the Dewey Decimal System's Days Numbered?- interesting article
Dewey? At This Library With a Very Different Outlook, They Don't- New York Times article 
Dewey Decimal, Redone
The Dewey Dilemma- from the Library Journal
Dewey's Not Dead
Do We Dewey?-New York Times article from 2008
Three Benefits of the Dewey Decimal System- from eHow
What's So Great About Dewey? 
Will Dewey Still Do?
Would Your Elementary Library Work Better if You Scrapped the Dewey Decimal System?

Ditching Dewey Slideshare by Tiffany Whitehead

DonorsChoose

Have you heard about DonorsChoose.org? 

It is the best thing that has happened to my library ever! Basically, teachers can post project requests for items needed in their classroom. Once those projects are approved, then anyone can donate to get those items funded.  It also works well with Facebook, Twitter, and email so you can get the word out to friends and family. There are customized parent letters and newsletter graphics too!

I currently am working on a project to get 5 iPads and an Apple TV. Last year, I got five Kindle Fires and four laptops donated to my library. The site is easy to use and has helpful tips along the way. Look in the Partnership Funding Opportunities to try to match your needs with corporate offers. This is a great way to get partial or even full funding immediately.

Amazing way to get items we need for our students without much effort on our part.
Go here for full details:  Donorschoose Details