COLOR-CODING  the Nonfiction Section

DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM

Because our eyes are our most powerful sense, our brains actually spend time cutting out stimuli coming from the eyes, rather than focusing on them.  We simply can't see everything.  However, color is one of the most powerful ways we use to discern. Color can be used to help focus attention.

 In our school, we have a long row of gray metallic shelves against one wall.  This is our nonfiction collection.  To beginning researchers it is a bit overwhelming.  To help them, we have color-coded the Dewey section and placed a stand-up lucite poster holder (8 1/2" by 11")beside the computer catalog terminals.  Students look up the numbers, check the chart to see what color the section is, and walk more confidently toward the nonfiction shelves. 

DIVISION COLOR CODE TOPICS / SUBJECTS
000 AQUA    aqua aqua Computers and Information Science -- Recording, categorizing and ordering knowledge
100 CREAM  CREAM   Philosophy and Psychology --    How we think and feel
200 GRAY     GRAY        Religion  --                                  What we believe
300 RED        RED          Social Science -- How we work and live with others: Community, Country, Culture, Customs, Holidays, Military, Folklore
400 SALMON SALMON Languages -- Dictionaries in many languages
500 GREEN   GREEN    Pure sciences -- How we study the universe and everything in it
600 BLACK   BLACK     Technology and Applied Sciences  -- How we make things to make our lives better.
700 WHITE    WHITE      Fine Arts and Recreation  --      Art, Music, Dance, Theater, Sports, Games
800 PINK       PINK          Literature, Poetry, Jokes, Riddles Speeches
900 TAN        TAN           Geography, Travel & History
 

Carol J. Fox