Comparing C3 with Dewey

In our C3 presentations, we use the bestselling Dewey The Small-Town Library Cat as an example of how C3 compares to Dewey.
The Dewey number for Dewey is 636.800929 MYR
The C3 number for Dewey is LF 1910 MYR

Another example we us is The Audacity of Hope
The Dewey number is 973.04960730092 OBAMA
The C3 number is BI 5171 OBAMA

We launched C3 with the intent of improving customer access to nonfiction.
A secondary goal was to improve the efficiency of material-handling. We have learned that we under-estimated the impact of Dewey's long numbers on our daily operations.

C3 Labels

The C3 product includes spine labels colour-coordinated with the category colour used in the banner signs. The labels are designed to place the category acronymn on the spine, with the full text for the category wrapping around onto the back of the item. The labels assist pages in quickly sorting items into the relevant category.

To support face-out merchandized display, we keep the front covers of items clear of labels, barcodes, etc., to leverage cover art and attract customers to the items.

C3 Banner Signs

C3 Banner Signs

C3 signage is part of our strategy to make finding intuitive. The banner signs are sized to be visible from a distance, so that customers can see at a glance where each C3 category is located. The signs include images that express the category concept - to reinforce intuitive finding, and to communicate with customers whose first language is not English.

It's Fine to Drop Dewey

Michael Casey & Michael Stephens comment on the Rangeview wordtype innovation as an alternative to Dewey.
"Today's busy, working adults want to find what they want, quickly, and be able to have a latte or iced tea while they browse. And Dewey, no matter how good for librarians needing to locate a book fast, is simply not suited to a popular collection intended more for browsing than research."
and
"Isn't focusing on innovation, creative thinking, the delivery of intuitive user-focused service, and streamlining workflows a bit more important and timely than worrying if the catalog is perfectly correct?"
Shortcut to: http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6668191.html