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A Dewey Decimal

Shaun Wallace investigates Melvil Dewey's book organisation system for libraries - and the impact of the internet. From 2007.

The Dewey Decimal System has organised books in libraries for 140 years.

Its inventor, Melvil Dewey, was so obsessed with efficiency, he had specific pockets for different times of the day.

2004 BBC Mastermind winner, Shaun Wallace, goes to his local library to see how the system works and wonders whether, thanks to the dominance of the internet, we have lost something precious.

Taking part:

* Prof Wayne A Wiegand - biographer of Dewey - Irrepressible Reformer - A Life of Melvil Dewey
* Caroline Kent - of the British Library and also member of the Dewey Decimal editorial policy committee
* Rita Carter - author of Mapping the Mind
* Michele Roberts - author and ex librarian
* Mike (Michael) Jackson - Birmingham City University
* Bernie McManamon - reader development and marketing manager - Brent Libraries
* Sarah Smith - Children and young people's manager - Brent Libraries
* John Humphrys

Reader Kerry Shale

Producer James Cook

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in October 2007.

19 days left to listen

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 21 Mar 202600:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

  • Tue 23 Oct 200711:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 23 Mar 200813:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Tue 25 Jan 201114:30
    BBC Radio 7
  • Sat 11 Feb 201207:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 5 Oct 201307:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 6 Dec 201706:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 6 Dec 201713:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 6 Dec 201720:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Thu 7 Dec 201701:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 20 Mar 202610:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 20 Mar 202616:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 21 Mar 202600:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra