Adding Materials in Dewey
In March of 2003, Central changed its longstanding policy of not adding to Dewey material. Central Dewey materials are all housed at the Annex. Previous policy had been that absolutely nothing would be added to the Dewey collection. This was due to space issues at the Annex and the way that materials were housed. The Annex changed it's shelving policy at the end of 2002 and adopted a compacted shelving scheme. This new shelving policy meant that it became physically possible to expand the Dewey collection without actually having to rearrange any volumes on the shelves.
The change in Annex shelving methods coincided with the processing of a gift collection which contained some volumes that filled in gaps in booksets and serials that were part of the Dewey collection. Cataloging asked Central to review it's Dewey policy. Under previous policy, adding to a set classed in Dewey meant that the existing volumes in Dewey would have to be reclassed into LC and relabeled. Was this extra expense and use of resources still justified?
Central decided on March 16, 2003 that the Dewey policy would be changed. The new policy would be:
"When we receive added volumes for a set, series, etc. classed in Dewey, please catalog in Dewey and use the appropriate CEA holding code."
Preparing the book for Marking
Dewey materials need special handling . They cannot be marked using the normal marking procedures because the Dewey classification number is not captured on the label. This mistake is not obvious enough to be caught by Marking staff each time.
Instructions for correct handling of Dewey materials:
- Be sure that the "class scheme" box under the call number is set to "DEWEY"
- Ship Dewey materials to Marking separately. If sending them to Marking from Order Services, ship these materials in a separate box. From Cataloging, take these materials directly to Sheranda.
- Identify these materials as Dewey. Add a flag or note that clearly states that these are Dewey materials.
- Write the Dewey call number on the flag.