http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/dec/19/na-libraries-offer-plenty-for-storms-to-stew-over/news-breaking/ Libraries Offer Plenty For Storms To Stew Over
Another librarian diss:
The Dewey Decimal System.
[State Sen. Ronda] Storms, R-Valrico, railed against the book-cataloging system during a budget hearing on state library aid, calling the Dewey Decimal System "anachronistic," costly and just plain frustrating.
The system requires training for both staff and users, she complained. If Barnes & Noble organizes its books more simply, why can’t libraries?
"A lot of little old librarians are going to have a heart attack that I even said that out loud," Storms said during Wednesday’s hearing. “But it really is ridiculous.”
Secretary of State Kurt Browning, who oversees state support of libraries, told the committee that Dewey Decimal is the national standard, set by the Library of Congress.
"The Library of Congress can do what the Library of Congress wants," Storms said. "If it’s costing us money … it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
A real intelligent legislator. I managed a B and N store for years, and I can tell you there were 10 places a book could sometimes be shelved. The Dewey system is precise and allows for detail. Look up a book in the computerized card catalog and it tells you the number where to find it. Numerically. Easy to shelve and locate and dead on accurate. This is like asking is it easier to find 8th street or Maple Street in a new town? Gee, 8th will be after 5, 6 and 7... Maple Street could be anywhere.
Post a Comment