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

Dewey or Don't We at PLA

DEWEY OR DON'T WE
Session blurb:
Learn how the Maricopa County Library District implemented a non-Dewey bookstore model in a new public library. This panel presentation will focus on the development of this unique customer service model and its effect on both staff and customers. Benefits and Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to identify positive and negative of this customer service model.
Participants will gain insight on a new facility opening with a non-Dewey collection scheme.
Participants will understand how the Maricopa County Library District implemented a unique customer service model.
Handout:
http://www.placonference.org/handouts/1013_442Shore_Marshall__116313_Mar05_2008_Time_103308AM.pdf

Why Do We Dewey? at PLA

Collections/Tech Services : Why Do We Dewey?: Redesigning for a Customer-Centered Experience
Links to Handouts:
http://www.placonference.org/handouts/1013_369Staley_Lissa__116138_Mar12_2008_Time_121756PM.pdf
http://www.placonference.org/handouts/1013_369Staley_Lissa__116138_Mar12_2008_Time_121809PM.pdf
http://www.placonference.org/handouts/1013_369Staley_Lissa__116138_Mar12_2008_Time_121821PM.pdf

Session blurb:
Are your stacks sterile? Learn how to create subject-based neighborhoods and displays that bring together related Dewey areas. Increase book and magazine browsing with visually merchandized sections such as travel, health/fitness, home/garden, or sports. Eliminate frustrating library jargon and appeal to your customers’ needs using their everyday language. Benefits and Learning Objectives
Understand that modifying shelf arrangement and cataloging can increase serendipitous browsing and circulation
Be able to identify and understand a customer perspective of organizing materials, layout, and shelving
Know how to populate neighborhoods and related displays by using a whole collection approach and marketing resources effectively