Victor Harbor library has begun reorganising its non-fiction section to make books and other items easier to find.

It will now shelve items about the same topic or subject together, rather than by the Dewey Decimal System.

Dewey Decimal Classification was created in the United States in 1876 and is used by libraries around the world.

Previously libraries had items on the shelf in the order they were acquired, which could make it difficult to find specific books. 

Dewey Decimal Classification provides a structure for labelling items so that they will sit with items of the same or similar topics on the shelf.

Library manager Vicki Hutchinson says while it works well a lot of the time it has its challenges.

“For example, when using this system books about travel are shelved separately to books on learning a language. 

“You will find a book about war in up to three places, depending on its subtopic and if you are looking for books about the railway currently you will not find them with books about transport. 

“With our new shelving system browsing for a topic will be simpler for everyone.”

The changeover will see items in the nonfiction collection arranged by subject, grouped together, with items about similar subjects kept together on the shelves, similar to a bookshop. 

With more than 4000 items in this collection it will take time for the librarians to move them all into their new places.

Vicki Hutchinson asks for patience while her staff get everything reorganised. 

“When you visit us check out our new signs to find the section you are looking for, or ask one of the library team. 

“We are looking forward to helping you get familiar with this new layout.”