How do I classify books about fire fighters and books about fire safety? At 363.37 Fire hazards, DDC 21 says "Class fire fighting and fire safety technology in 628.92." But at 363.378 Remedial measures, services, forms of assistance, it says "Number built according to instructions under 362-363. Class here fire fighting."

For fire fighting, there is a fundamental difference between social sciences numbers (in the 300s) and technology numbers (in the 600s). Unless otherwise indicated, terms and notes in the 300s refer to institutions and programs and the underlying facts that make them necessary, while terms and notes in the 600s refer to equipment and its practical use.

The editors often speak of the hierarchical force of headings and notes. For example, everything that is true of 300 is true of 360; what is true of 360 is true of 363, what is true of 363 is true of 363.3, what is true of 363.3 is likewise true of 363.37, and so on. Everything in 300 is social science; everything in 360 is social problems and services (or associations). "Social problems and services" is picked up again in the heading at 363. Thus in the fire hazards number (363.37) we should expect to find material on programs and organizations dealing with fire fighting and prevention. This is where you should class works on company and departmental histories, volunteer fire departments, the records of various cities in controlling fires, fire safety awareness programs, etc. The note at 363.37 on fire fighting and fire safety technology that you cite was provided to help users who may have inadvertently turned to the wrong page in the Classification, by calling their attention to the technology number.

There is sometimes a fine line between operating equipment (technology) and organizing a unit that uses the equipment (social activity). In this case, both activities are called fire fighting, but in other cases the normal terminology is more helpful. You might think of the analogy with a rifle company. Shooting a military rifle is technology (623.4425), leading a rifle company in battle is military science (356.113).

Last revised: 09 January 2004