# A Classification and Subject Index for Cataloguing and Arranging the Books and Pamphlets of a Library

**Author:** Melvil Dewey
**Tags:** Classification, Dewey decimal
**Price:** Free
**Formats:** DOCX, EPUB, FB2, PDF, TXT
**Downloads:** 33
**Added:** 10.07.2026
**URL:** https://samolit.com/books/96051

## Description

Melvil Dewey's foundational 1876 work, A Classification and Subject Index for Cataloguing and Arranging the Books and Pamphlets of a Library, introduced a revolutionary method for organizing knowledge in libraries. This slim yet impactful pamphlet unveiled what would become the universally recognized Dewey Decimal Classification system. Prior to this, library collections were often arranged haphazardly by acquisition order or physical size, making subject-based browsing nearly impossible. Dewey's innovative scheme instead proposed a logical, decimal-based hierarchy, categorizing all subjects into ten main classes that could be infinitely subdivided. This practical system enabled librarians to efficiently catalogue, index, and arrange materials by topic, dramatically increasing the accessibility and utility of library resources. It transformed library science, laying the groundwork for modern library organization and user experience, and its principles continue to shape how information is managed and retrieved in countless institutions worldwide.