Adapting the Dewey decimal classification to content organization: From shelves to the web

Abstract

Since 1876, when Melville Dewey published the first edition of his library classification system, wich has been evolving as a very strong adaptable system used to organize knowledge practically even on the internet. This article is derived from a doctoral research project conducted for 5 years studying the different semantic epistemological historical technical aspects of the Dewey Decimal classification system. The study will try to demonstrate the validity of this system despite new knowledge organization trends showing this from its perspective of evolution and its way of adapting because of technological changes and current content organization trends.