"Political books about white people were in History. Ones about Black people, immigrants, and women’s rights were in Social Sciences." I had no idea. Really brings it home. Thanks for sharing.
This piece on the Dewey Decimal System shows how biases are, as you say, baked into the system. Really terrific -- and brought to life by your first-hand account.
I would have to agree abt the DDS being "a masterpiece of obsessive organization." And sadly I know about Mr. Melvil's prejudices although I did not know about the Lake Placid club. I used to teach my 4th graders abt the DDS including his attempt at spelling reform which would have had him spell his last name-Dui. I taught the kids about his prejudices as reflected in many of his classifications. One of my favorite things as a library director was messing around with the DDS to best suit the needs of my young patrons. I've thought before of organizing my entire apartment by the DDS. In spite of his blind spots I still gotta love Dewey's big organization idea. Great piece.
Thoreau's books are in the 800's with General Literature. And more specifically in the 830s where Mid Century American Literature is shelved. Thoreau even has his own Dewey number, I believe. It is 818.31!
Forwarding this beautifully written piece to everyone I know. Timely and highly recommended~ "What the Constitution Means to Me" by Heidi Schreck is on at the Weston Playhouse, which takes a closer look at the "founding fathers". A century later, Melvil too was a kind of founding father.
"Political books about white people were in History. Ones about Black people, immigrants, and women’s rights were in Social Sciences." I had no idea. Really brings it home. Thanks for sharing.
This piece deserves *way* more attention. Thank you for your insights.
This piece on the Dewey Decimal System shows how biases are, as you say, baked into the system. Really terrific -- and brought to life by your first-hand account.
I would have to agree abt the DDS being "a masterpiece of obsessive organization." And sadly I know about Mr. Melvil's prejudices although I did not know about the Lake Placid club. I used to teach my 4th graders abt the DDS including his attempt at spelling reform which would have had him spell his last name-Dui. I taught the kids about his prejudices as reflected in many of his classifications. One of my favorite things as a library director was messing around with the DDS to best suit the needs of my young patrons. I've thought before of organizing my entire apartment by the DDS. In spite of his blind spots I still gotta love Dewey's big organization idea. Great piece.
Where were Thoreau's books? What was on either side of them?
Thoreau's books are in the 800's with General Literature. And more specifically in the 830s where Mid Century American Literature is shelved. Thoreau even has his own Dewey number, I believe. It is 818.31!
Thanks, David!
An entrance to a rabbit warren, most appreciated
Forwarding this beautifully written piece to everyone I know. Timely and highly recommended~ "What the Constitution Means to Me" by Heidi Schreck is on at the Weston Playhouse, which takes a closer look at the "founding fathers". A century later, Melvil too was a kind of founding father.
Fascinating! I had no idea!