Cataloging Process

The library will primarily classify books in accordance with the Dewey Decimal Classification System (DDC). However, we reserve the right to make local DDC revisions to support the particular needs of our community, as described by Eunice Kua in her article “Non-Western Languages and Literatures in the Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme.” For subject cataloging, we will use the Sears List of Subject Headings.

Books will be ordered already cataloged when possible. If not, the librarian will copy catalog records from OCLC’s Classify and WorldCat services. In these cases, Sears subject headings will be chosen by the librarian.
The librarian will edit received cataloged records for consistency with the existing collection.
- Tags, subject headings, and summaries will be edited as needed.
- Segmented classification numbers will be used when possible.
- Community members are invited to add their own tags to catalog records to help others find what they are looking for (tags should be appropriate for school, and will be subject to librarian approval).
- The librarian will add additional content including professional reviews, author biographies, and local curriculum notes.
- Catalog records will be further enriched with content from NoveList Select, including story element tags, read-alikes, series and awards notes, reader reviews, and additional NoveList content.

Cataloging Specifications

* = first three letters of the author’s surname.

Fiction - F with * and optional genre labels (for books with clear-cut, locally popular genres). Easy Fiction and short story collections will be interfiled with other English-language fiction.
Nonfiction - Classification number with *
Individual Biography - Classify in the subject number associated with the biographee’s area of expertise. Add the standard subdivision -092 for biography and *. Add genre label.
Collective Biography - If all biographees represent an identified subject area, follow the process for Individual Biography. If they do not, use 920 with *. Add genre label.
Foreign Language and Bilingual Materials (Fiction) - Language code with *.
Foreign Language and Bilingual Materials (Nonfiction)- Language code with classification number assigned by subject and *.
Graphic Fiction- GN with *.
Graphic Nonfiction- Classification number with * and genre label
Reference - REF with assigned classification number and *
Professional Development and Parenting - PD with assigned classification number and *
Student Authors (Fiction) - SA with *.
Student Authors (Nonfiction) - SA with classification number assigned by subject and *.

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