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Comparison of Dewey and Library of Congress subject classification

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Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress Classification systems organize resources by concept, in part to assign call numbers. Most United States libraries use one of these two classification systems.[1][2] Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) is the most commonly used library cataloging system in the world,[1] while Library of Congress Classification (LCC) is used primarily in Canada and the United States.[3]

The size of a library's collection determines which classification system it uses.[4] Dewey Decimal Classification worked best for smaller collections such as those found in public libraries and school libraries.[4][5] It consists of ten classes representing broad classes, with a limited number of subclasses.[4][5] It uses a numeric cataloging system to divide the each of the classes into ten sections.[3][2]

Library of Congress Classification has 21 classes that are hierarchical and highly detailed, working well for books on specialized subjects.[4][5][3][1] LCC works best larger collections, such as those found in academic libraries.[4][5] Its call alpha-numeric call numbers include four parts: class/subclass, topic, cutter number, and publication date.[5][2][3] For example, HV4708 .R83 2011, where HV stands for social sciences, 4708 is the topic social welfare, .R83 is the cutter number when represents the author, and 2001 is the year of publication.[5]

The following conversion chart compares how Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress classification systems organize resources.[6][7][8][9] It includes all 99 second-level (two-digit) Dewey Decimal classes (excluding 040), and all second-level (two-digit) Library of Congress classes. If a class in one system maps to several classes in the other system, it will be listed multiple times, such as DDC class 551.

Chart

Dewey Decimal Library of Congress Description Ref.
000 QA71–90 Computer science, knowledge, and general works
001 A Knowledge [10]
002 Z4-659 The book
003 Systems
004 QA (subrange) Data processing and computer science
005 QA (subrange) Computer programming, programs, and data
006 QA (subrange) Special computer methods
010 Z1001–8999 Bibliography
020 Z665–718.8 Library and information sciences
030 AE General encyclopedic works [10]
050 AI General serials and their indexes [10]
060 AM111–160 General organization and museology [10]
070 AN News media [10]
070 PN4699–5650 Journalism
070 Z278–549 Publishing
080 AC General collections [10]
090 Z105–115.5 Manuscripts
090 Z1019–1033 Rare books
100 B Psychology and philosophy [11]
111 BD300–450 Ontology [11]
115 BD493–701 Time [11]
120 BD143–237 Epistemology [11]
120 BD? Causation [11]
120 BD? Humankind [11]
124 BD493–701 Teleology [11]
130 BF1404–2055 Paranormal phenomena and occult sciences [11]
150 BF Psychology [11]
152 HM1041–1101 Perception
152 QH? Movement
152 BF511–593 Emotions [11]
155 BF712–724 Developmental psychology [11]
160 BC Logic [11]
170 BJ Ethics (moral philosophy) [11]
180 B108–708 Classic philosophy [11]
181 B850–5739 Oriental philosophy [11]
182 B108–708 Ancient philosophy [11]
183 B108–708 Sophists and Socratic philosophies [11]
185 B108–708 Aristotelian philosophy [11]
186 B108–708 Skeptic and Neoplatonic philosophies [11]
187 B108–708 Epicurean philosophy [11]
188 B108–708 Stoic philosophy [11]
189 B720–765 Medieval Western philosophy [11]
190 B790–5802 Modern Western philosophy [11]
200 BL Religion [11]
210 BL175–265 Natural theology [11]
212 BL205–216 Nature of God [11]
220 BS Bible [11]
221 BS701–1830 Old Testament [11]
225 BS1901–2970 New Testament [11]
226 BS2547–2970? Gospels and Acts of the Apostles [11]
227 BS2640–2765.6 Epistles [11]
228 BS2547–2970? Revelation [11]
229 BS2547–2970? Apocrypha [11]
230 BR Christian theology [11]
232 BT198–590 Jesus and his family [11]
236 BT819–891 Eschatology [11]
250 BR? Christian orders and local church [11]
260 BR? Christian social theology [11]
270 BR140–1510 Christian church history [11]
280 BX? List of Christian denominations [11]
282 BX800–4795 Roman Catholic church [11]
283 BX5001–6093 Anglican churches (English and Protestant Episcopal) [11]
284 BX? Protestants of continental origin [11]
286 BX6201–6495, BX7301–7343, BX6101–6193 Baptist, Disciples of Christ, and Adventist [11]
287 BX8201–8495 Methodist and related churches [11]
289 BX7601–7795, BX7801–7843, BX8101–8144,

BX 8799–8809, BX9751–9793, BX9998

Other denominations and sects [11]
290 BL660–2680 Non-Christian religions [11]
292 BL700–820 Greek mythology and Roman mythology [11]
295 BL1500–1590 Zoroastrianism [11]
296 BM Judaism [11]
297 BP Islam, Bábísm, and Baháʼí Faith [11]
300 H Social sciences [12]
301 HM Sociology [12]
301 GN Anthropology [13]
310 HA154–473 General statistics (of parts of the world) [12]
320 J Political science
327 JZ International relations
330 HB Economics [12]
331 HD4801–8943 Labor economics [12]
332 HG Financial economics [12]
333 HD101–1399 Economics of land [12]
333 HD9502 Economics of energy [12]
336 HJ Public finance [12]
339 HB? Macroeconomics [12]
340 K Law
341 KZ International law
345 K5000–5582 Criminal law
346 KB479 Private law
347 K2201–2385 Civil procedure
347 K2100–2385 Courts
350 JF Public administration
352 JS City government
353 JK1–9593 U.S. federal government
353 JK2403–9593 U.S. state governments
355 U Military science
360 H Social services and association [12]
361 HN General social problems and services [12]
362 HN Social welfare problems and services [12]
363 HN Other social problems and services [12]
364 HV6001–7220 Criminology [12]
365 HV8301–9920 Penal and related institutions [12]
366 HS Association [12]
367 HS General clubs [12]
368 K1960–1973 (Social) Insurance
370 L Education
371 LB3011–3095 School management
371 LC3950–4806.5 Special education
372 LB1501–1602 Elementary education
373 LB1603–1699 Secondary education
374 LC5201–6661 Adult education
376 LC1401–2572 Education of women
377 LC321–951 Schools and religion
378 LB2300–2430 Higher education
380 HF Commerce, communications, and transport [12]
382 HF1 International commerce (foreign trade) [12]
383 HE6000–7500 Postal communications [12]
384 HE Communications [12]
384 HE7601–8700.9 Telecommunication [12]
385 HE1001–5600 Railways [12]
386 HE380–560 Inland waterway [12]
386 HE5751–5870 Ferry transportation [12]
387 HE380–971 Water transportation [12]
387 HE9761–9900 Air transportation [12]
387 TL787–4050 Space transportation
388 HE Transport [12]
390 GT Customs [13]
390 BJ1801–2195 Etiquette [11]
390 GR Folklore [13]
391 GT500–2370 Costume and personal appearance [13]
392 GT2400–3390.5 Customs of life cycle and private life [13]
393 GT2400–3390.5 Customs of Death [13]
395 BJ1801–2195 Etiquette [11]
398 GR Folklore [13]
400 P Language
410 P101–410 Linguistics
411 P327–327.5 Writing systems
412 P321–324.5 Etymology
414 P? Phonology phonetics
415 P201–299 Grammar
419 PM8001–8995 Sign language
420 PE English language
430 PD Germanic languages
440 PC2001–3761 French language
449 PC3201–3366 Provençal
449 PC3801–3976 Catalan
450 PC1001–1977 Italian language
459 PC601–872 Romanian language
459 PC901–986 Rhaeto–Romanic language
460 PC4001–4977 Spanish language
469 PC5001–5498 Portuguese language
470 PA2001–2915 Latin language
480 PA201–899 Greek language
490 P501–769 Indo-European Languages
492 PJ991–995 Afro-Asiatic languages
494 PL1–481 Altaic languages
495 PL3521–4001 Sino-Tibetan languages
496 PL8000–8844 African languages
497 PM101–2711 North American languages (Native American languages)
498 PM3001–4566 Central American Languages (Native American languages)
498 PM5001–7356 South American Languages (Native American languages)
500 Q Natural sciences and mathematics
510 QA Mathematics
512 QA150–272 Algebra
513 QA101–145 Arithmetic
514 QA612–699 Topology
515 QA299–433 Analysis and calculus
516 QA440–611 Geometry (excluding topology)
519 QA273–299 Probability, statistics, and numerical analysis
520 QB Astronomy
521 QB349–421 Celestial mechanics
530 QC Physics
531 QC120–168.85 Classical mechanics and solid mechanics
532 QC120–168.85 Fluid mechanics and liquid mechanics
533 QC120–168.85 Gas mechanics
534 QC221–246 Sound and related vibrations
535 QC350–467 Light and paraphotic phenomena
536 QC251–338.5 Heat
537 QC501–721 Electricity and electronics
538 QC750–766 Magnetism
539 QC770–798 Modern physics
540 QD Chemistry and allied sciences
541 QD450–801 Physical chemistry and theoretical chemistry
542 QD1–65 Techniques, equipment, and materials (laboratory)
543 QD71–142 Analytical chemistry
544 QD71–142 Quantitative analysis (chemistry)
545 QD71–142 Quantitative analysis (chemistry)
546 QD146–197 Inorganic chemistry
547 QD241–441 Organic chemistry
548 QD0001–0999 Crystallography
549 QE351–399.2 Mineralogy
550 QE Earth sciences
551 QE Geology
551 GB651–2998 Hydrology [13]
551 QC851–999 Meteorology
552 QE420–499 Petrology
553 QE? Economic geology
560 QE701–760 Paleontology
560 QE7601–899 Paleozoology
570 QH301–705.5 Life sciences – biology
572 QD415–436 Biochemistry
572 GN Anthropology [13]
573 GN49–298 Physical anthropology [13]
574 QH301–705.5 Biology
575 QH359–425 Evolution
575 QH426–470 Genetics
576 QH573–671 Microbiology
577 QH540–549.5 Ecology
578 QH201–278.5 Microscopy in biology
579 QH1–199.5 Collection and preservation (biological specimens)
580 QK Botanical sciences
581 QK Botany
582 QK474.8–495 Spermatophyta (seed-bearing plants)
585 QK494–494.5 Gymnospermae (Pinophyta)
586 QK504–638 Cryptogamia (seedless plants)
590 QL Animals
591 QL1–355 Zoology
592 QL360–599.82 Invertebrates
593 QL360–599.82 Protozoa, Echinodermata, and related phyla
594 QL360–599.82 Mollusca and Molluscoidea
595 QL360–599.82 Other invertebrates
596 QL605–739.8 Vertebrata (Craniata and vertebrates)
597 QL614–639.8 Fishes
597 QL640–669.3 Reptiles and amphibians
598 QL671–699 Aves (birds)
599 QL700–739.8 Mammalia (mammals)
600 T Technology (applied sciences)
607 T61–173 Education
607 T175–178 Research
608 T201–342 Invention and patents
608 Q Invention and patents
610 R Medicine
611 QM Human anatomy
611 QH573–671 Cytology
611 QM550–577.8 Histology
612 QP Human physiology
615 RM Pharmacology and therapeutics
617 RD Surgery and related topics
618 RG Gynecology
618 R Other medical specialties
619 R735–854 Experimental medicine
620 TA Engineering and allied operations
621 TJ Mechanical engineering
621 QC Applied physics
622 TN Mining and related operations
623 UG1–620 Military engineering
623 VM Nautical engineering
624 TA Civil engineering
TG Bridge engineering
625 TF Engineering of railways
625 TE Engineering of highways
627 TC1–978 Hydraulic engineering
628 TD Sanitary engineering
628 TD159–168 Municipal engineering
629 T Other branches of engineering
TK Electrical engineering, electronics, and nuclear engineering
TL Motor vehicles, aeronautics, and astronautix
TP Chemical technology
630 S Agriculture
631 S1–972 Techniques, equipment, and materials
632 SB599–990.5 Plant injuries, diseases, and pests
633 SB317.5–319.864 Horticulture
634 SB354–402 Fruits
634 SD Forestry
634 SB169–172.5 Orchards
636 SF Animal husbandry
637 SF250.5–275 Processing dairy and related products
638 SF518–561 Insect culture
639 SK Hunting and fishing
639 S604.5–604.64 Conservation
640 TX Home economics
650 HD28–70 Management and auxiliary services
653 Z53–102 Shorthand
657 HF5601–5689 Accounting [12]
658 HD28–70 General management [12]
659 HF5801–6182 Advertising [12]
660 TP155–156 Chemical engineering
670 HD9720–9975 Manufacturing [12]
680 TT Handicrafts
690 TH Buildings
700 N Arts
708 N400–3990 Museums
710 SB469–476 Landscape art
720 NA Architecture
730 NB Plastic arts and sculpture
736 NB0001–1952 Carving and carvings
738 NB0001–1952 Ceramic arts
739 NB0001–1952 Metalwork
740 NC Drawing
740 NK Decorative arts
746 NK8800–9505.5 Textile arts
748 NK5100–5440 Glass
749 NK2200–2750 Furniture and accessories
750 ND Painting
760 NE Graphic arts, printmaking, and prints
761 NE1330–1352 Relief processes (block printing)
763 NE2250–2570 Lithography
764 NE2236–2240.6 Chromolithography and serigraphy
765 NE1400–1879 Metal engraving
767 NE1940–2232.5 Etching and drypoint
770 TR Photography and photographs
780 M Music
781 MT General principles and musical forms
782 M1495–5000 Vocal music
783 M1528–1529.5 Music for solo voice
784 M1000–1075 Orchestras and ensembles
785 M1000–1075 Ensembles with one instrument per part
786 MT180–255 Keyboard instrument
787 MT259–338 String instruments
788 MT339–533 Wind instruments
790 PN1560–1590 Performing arts
790 GV Recreation [13]
792 PN2000–3307 Theater and other stage presentations
793 GV1221–1469.63 Indoor games and amusements [13]
795 GV1301–1311 Games of chance [13]
796 GV557–1198.995 Sport [13]
797 GV750–770.27 Air sports [13]
797 GV770.3–840 Aquatic sports [13]
799 SK Fishing, hunting, and shooting
800 P Literature and rhetoric
810 PS American literature
820 PR English literature
830 PT1–4897 German literature
840 PQ0001–3999 French literature
850 PQ4001–5999 Italian literature
860 PQ6001–8929 Spanish literature
869 PQ9000–9999 Portuguese literature
870 PA6001–8595 Latin literature
880 PA3050–5660 Greek literature
890 PN World literature
900 G Geography [13]
900 D History [14]
910 G Geography [13]
911 G141 Historical geography [13]
912 GA Graphic representations of earth (maps) [13]
914 G1791–2196 Geography of Europe [13]
915 G2200–2444 Geography of Asia [13]
916 G2445–2739 Geography of Africa [13]
917 G1105–1692 Geography of North America [13]
918 G1700–1779 Geography of South America [13]
919 G2740–2799 Geography of Oceania [15]
920 CT Biography [15]
920 CS Genealogy [15]
920 CR4480–4485 Insignia [15]
930 D51–90 History of ancient world [14]
938 DE History of the Greco-Roman World [14]
940 DAW1031–1051 History of Europe [14]
942 DA History of Britain [14]
943 DD History of Germany [14]
943.6 DB History of Austria and history of Liechtenstein [14]
943.9 DB History of Hungary [14]
944 DC History of France [14]
945 DG History of Italy [14]
946 DP History of the Iberian Peninsula [14]
947 DJK History of Eastern Europe [14]
947 DK History of Russia, Soviet Union, and former Soviet republics [14]
948 DL History of Northern Europe and history of Scandinavia [14]
949.2 DH History of the Netherlands [14]
949.3 DH History of Belgium [14]
949.4 DQ History of Switzerland [14]
949.5 DF History of Greece [14]
949.6 DR History of the Balkan peninsula [14]
950 DS General history of Asia and Far East [14]
951 DS701–799.9 History of China [14]
952 DS801–897 History of Japan [14]
953 DS201–248 History of Arabian Peninsula (history of Saudi Arabia, etc.) [14]
954 DS401–486.8 History of India [14]
955 DS251–326 History of Iran (Persia) [14]
960 DT History of Africa [14]
961 DT211–239 History of Libya [14]
961 DT241–269 History of Tunisia [14]
962 DT154.1–159.9 History of Sudan [14]
962 DT43–154 History of Egypt [14]
963 DT371–390 History of Ethiopia (Abyssinia) [14]
963 DT391–398 History of Eritrea [14]
965 DT271–299 History of Algeria [14]
966 DT470–671 History of West Africa and offshore islands [14]
967 DT? History of Central Africa and offshore islands [14]
968 DT1701–2405 History of South Africa [14]
969 DS349.8–349.9 [16] [14]
970 F History of North America [16]
971 F1001–1145.2 History of Canada [16]
972 F1421–1440 History of Central America [16]
972 F1201–1392 History of Mexico [16]
973 E History of United States [16]
980 F2201–3799 History of South America [16]
981 F2501–2659 History of Brazil [16]
982 F2801–3021 History of Argentina [16]
983 F3051–3285 History of Chile [16]
984 F3301–3359 History of Bolivia [16]
985 F3401–3619 History of Peru [16]
987 F2301–2349 History of Venezuela [16]
988 F2351–2471 History of Guiana [16]
990 DU History of Oceania [14]
993 DU400–430 History of New Zealand [14]
994 DU80–398 History of Australia [14]
995 DU490 History of Melanesia [14]
995 DU739–747 History of New Guinea [14]
803 AG Dictionaries and other general reference works [10]
069 AM Museums, collectors, and collecting [10]
050 AP Periodicals [10]
060–068 AS Academies and learned societies [10]
030 AY Yearbooks, almanacs, and directories [10]
001 AZ History of scholarship and learning, and the humanities [10]
110–140 BD Speculative philosophy [11]
111.85 BH Aesthetics [11]
200 BL Mythology [11]
230 BT Doctrinal theology [11]
240–260 BV Practical theology [11]
280 BX Christian denominations [11]
C Auxiliary sciences of history (general) [15]
909 CB History of civilization [15]
930.1 CC Archaeology [15]
929.1 – 929.3 CD Diplomatics, archives, and seals [15]
529 CE Technical chronology and calendar [15]
737 CJ Numismatics [15]
411.7 CN Inscriptions and epigraphy [15]
929.6 CR Heraldry [15]
909.0491497 DX History of Romanies [14]
551.4 GB Physical geography [13]
551.46 GC Oceanography [13]
333.7 GE Environmental sciences [13]
304 GF Human ecology and anthropogeography [13]
310 HA Social science statistics [12]
330.9 HC Economic history and conditions [12]
331–338 HD Industries, land use, and labor [12]
649.1–641.7 HQ Family, marriage, and women [12]
HT Communities, classes, and races [12]
364 HV Social pathology, social and public welfare, and criminology [12]
335 HX Socialism, communism, and anarchism
J General legislative and executive papers
320 JA Political science (general)
320.5 JC Political theory
JJ Political institutions and public administration (North America)
320.973 JK Political institutions and public administration (United States)
320.971 JL Political institutions and public administration (Canada, Latin America, etc.)
320.94 JN Political institutions and public administration (Europe)
320.95–320.969 JQ Political institutions and public administration (Asia, Africa, Australia, Pacific Area, etc.)
JV Colonies and colonization, emigration and immigration, and international migration
KB Religious law (general) and comparative religious law and jurisprudence
KD Law of the United Kingdom, Ireland, America, and North America
340.971 KE Law of Canada
340.973 KF Law of United States
KG Law of Latin America – Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and the Caribbean area
KH Law of South America
340.94 KJ–KK Law of Europe
340.95–340.969 KL–KW Law of Asia and Eurasia, Africa, Pacific Area, and Antarctica
370.9 LA History of education
370.1 LB Theory and practice of education
LC Special aspects of education
378.73–378.79 LD Individual educational institutions – United States
378.8 LE Individual educational institutions – America (except United States)
378.4 LF Individual educational institutions – Europe
378.5–378.6 LG Individual educational institutions – Asia, Africa, Indian Ocean islands, Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific islands
378 LH College and school magazines and papers
LJ Student fraternities and societies, United States
LT Textbooks

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c "How to Choose Between Dewey Decimal System and Library of Congress". Surpass Software. 2022-09-02. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
  2. ^ a b c "Cataloging Tools and Resources: Classification". American Library Association. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
  3. ^ a b c d "What is the Difference Between Dewey Decimal Classification and Library of Congress Classification?". KohaSupport. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Comparing LC and Dewey". University of Mississippi Library. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
  5. ^ a b c d e f Moeller, Kimberly (2023-10-31). "Peer Navigator Corner: Library of Congress vs. Dewey Decimal System". Library News. University of Missouri Libraries. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
  6. ^ Scott, Mona L. and Alvey, Christine E. Conversion Tables: LC-Dewey, Dewey-LC. 17th edition. Englewood: Libraries Unlimited, 1993. ISBN 9781563080173
  7. ^ "Map Dewey (DDC) to LC (LCC) Classification". www.questionpoint.org. Archived from the original on 2018-05-03. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
  8. ^ "Map LC (LCC) to Dewey (DDC) Classification". www.questionpoint.org. Archived from the original on 2018-04-19. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
  9. ^ "Library of Congress Classification Outline". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Library of Congress Classification Outline – Class A" (PDF). Library of Congress. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg "Library of Congress Classification Outline – Class B" (PDF). Library of Congress. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am "Library of Congress Classification Outline – Class H" (PDF). Library of Congress. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac "Library of Congress Classification Outline – Class G" (PDF). Library of Congress. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq "Library of Congress Classification Outline – Class D" (PDF). Library of Congress. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Library of Congress Classification Outline – Class C" (PDF). Library of Congress. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Library of Congress Classification Outline – Classes E and F" (PDF). Library of Congress. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
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