Dg. Oh et Js. Yeo, Suggesting an option for DDC class religion (200) for nations in which religious diversity predominates, KNOWL ORGAN, 28(2), 2001, pp. 75-84
This study makes recommendations to adapt and expand the class Religion (20
0) of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) for libraries in nations, part
icularly Korea, where religious diversity predominates. It contracts the cl
asses on Christianity, 220-280, into one class, 220, and allows for local K
orean emphasis so that religions of Asian, and especially East Asian, origi
n are given preferred treatment. It relocates Buddhism and other religions
of Asian origin into separate divisions, 230 and 240, respectively. The rec
ommendations maintain the basic system and order of DDC. Whenever possible,
they adhere to the Korean Decimal Classification in the arrangement of rel
igions of Asian origin. Because the options for religions other than Christ
ianity in DDC are to give preferred treatment to a specific religion, this
article tries to generalize the idea to suggest an option in DDC as Option
F for " > 292-299 Religions other than Christianity", for other nations in
the world having similar situations. It says: "Contract the Bible and Chris
tianity in 220-280 into 220, and then class other religions to give preferr
ed treatment in 230-280, respectively, following the order in DDC. In that
case, the number "2" should be inserted in the second digit of the Bible an
d Christianity, e.g., the Bible 222, Jesus Christ & his family 223.2, and P
uritanism 228.59."