From The Sentinel & Enterprise (Fitchburg, MA):
Books about homosexuality are on the same shelf as books on incest and prostitution.
Homer’s “Iliad” is in the nonfiction section.
The works of Shakespeare and books on Elizabethan culture are nowhere near each other.
“I think it’s troubling,” said Jeff Aubuchon, the librarian at Oakmont Regional High School. “I’m worried about the message that sends.”
To solve the problem, and to improve the organization of the library’s book collection, Aubuchon has decided to abandon the Dewey Decimal System. Instead, the library is creating its own classification system that Aubuchon said will bear a closer resemblance to how books are organized in a typical Barnes & Noble.
Under the “Spartan System,” named for the school’s mascot, the numbers stuck to the books’ spines would be peeled off or covered with new color-coded topic labels. Books will be organized by the school’s classroom subjects.
The article also includes comments from other librarians about DDC and a six minute video interview with Aubuchon.
Note: We’re working to find out if Aubochon plans to incorportate any BISAC with “Spartan System”
BISAC (Book Industry Standards and Communications) is used in some bookstores and as we’ve mentioned in past posts is now being used by a few libraries.
About Gary Price
