Re: [LM_NET] Dewey Decimal System eliminated in new Arizona library.

[Shonda Brisco <sbrisco@GMAIL.COM>]

The article suggests that this type of system (the DDC) is hard for
someone to remember.  Excuse me, but I've taught blind children how to
write down a call number and locate a braille book on the shelves at a
library serving blind and visually impaired children.  At NO point did
these children "remember" the call number but instead, learned how to
locate information, take notes, and then physically locate the books
based upon their location (address) on the shelves.

The same is true with sighted (or any) children.  We don't teach
children to remember the DDC, we teach them to take notes, to use
those notes (the call number) to physically locate the book on the
shelves.  If they recall specific areas or call numbers, it's
generally because the SUBJECT is of interest to them and the areas
(call numbers) are consistent, regardless of which library they use!!
That's part of the beauty of the DDC or the LC--- the consistency of
the location based upon the SAME information which is shared between
libraries.  (Try locating a book in Barnes & Noble, then in Borders,
and then at "Ye Local Bookstore of Olde" ...good luck finding the same
titles in the same "subject areas" based upon the WHIMS of those who
are in charge of the bookstore!)

I personally do not remember how to drive to San Antonio each time we
have an ALA or TLA meeting there; however, I do have the skills
necessary to locate the information, take notes, follow those
instructions, and locate the meeting address.  The beauty of this
procedure....I always find the location based upon the consistency of
the road map!!

This is part of being information literate....and if we continue to
spoon feed individuals (adults or otherwise) rather than require them
to seek information in a manner that shows some information literacy /
intellectual growth (or at least two grey cells rubbing together to
spark an idea), then we are definitely leading the poor dumb
sheep....off the cliff and into the abyss.

Just another opinion....

~Shonda

On 5/30/07, Barbara Allen <BSAllen@aol.com> wrote:
>
> This may be of  interest:
> _http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0530nodewey0530.html_
> (http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0530nodewey0530.html)
> OMG!
> Barbara  Allen
> Technical Coordinator
> Library Services
> Tucson Unified School  District
> Tucson, AZ
>
>
>
> ************************************** See what's free at http://www.aol.com.
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
> Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
>  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
>  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
> To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
> In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
> 3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
>  * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
>  * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
>  * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
>  * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
> --------------------------------------------------------------------
>


-- 
Shonda Brisco, MLIS
Library Media / Technology Specialist
Digital Bookends wiki / blog:
http://digitalbookends.pbwiki.com
http://shonda.edublogs.org/
sbrisco@gmail.com

"Digital Resources" columnist
School Library Journal

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------