Melvil Dewey (December 10, 1851 – December 26, 1931) was an American librarian and educator and inventor of the Dewey Decimal system of library classification, based on a structure of knowledge first outlined by Sir Francis Bacon. School libraries in particular still use Dewey's system as you can see by the guide hanging on what we term "the Dewey side" of the library. The other half of our space houses fiction, and the books are marked with either an F for "fiction" or E for "easy" (picture books)
In preparing this commentary I did some research on Mr. Dewey and learned that he was a man of many interests. Dewey was a pioneer of American librarianship and an influential factor in the development of libraries in America in the beginning of the 20th century. His decimal system was just one of a long list of innovations. Among them was the idea of the state library as controller of school and public library services within a state. He is also known for the creation of the hanging vertical file, first introduced at the Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. Not surprising, he is in the American Library Association's Hall of Fame, although frankly I am surprised the ALA actually has a Hall of Fame.
When I was in high school, the club of library volunteers was known as the Dewey Decimal Do-ers, and I wouldn't be caught dead in their number. Who would have guessed that by a journey of many stages I would end up being Mr. Dewey's champion.
I like how this shot shows us a part of you, but also the world you work in. I love your story too. I think if someone had told me what I would be doing in my 50's back in my high school days, I would have laughed at them and told them they were crazy! How fun that you ended up doing what you thought was distasteful back then. Colorful shot, and colorful commentary!
