Skip to page content

Why are there so many databases to choose from on the WebDewey Search screen? 

Generally, there are only two separate databases to search from in WebDewey: the WebDewey database and the User Notes database.  The User Notes database can be thought of as local, virtual notes that libraries use to annotate WebDewey.  The WebDewey database is the enhanced database built from the current edition of the DDC.  You are not referring to separate databases, but separate indexes.  The WebDewey database contains eight search indexes, and you can search from one index or a combination of these indexes.  The Search screen you refer to displays only five of the eight available indexes from which you can search.  To show all available indexes, click the dropdown index in the Search box. 

screen image

  • The All Fields index is WebDewey's most comprehensive index and includes all items found in the All Dewey index, as well as the LCSH and LCSH (Editorially Mapped) indexes. 
  • The Dewey Numbers index is a subset of the All Dewey index.  It consists of Dewey Numbers and can be used for searches on DDC numbers (that is, the main DDC numbers in the records, not DDC numbers mentioned in notes). 
  • The Captions index is a subset of the All Dewey index and is used for searches on Dewey captions, including Manual and table number captions. 
  • The LCSH (Editorially Mapped) index is a subset of the LCSH index and includes only Library of Congress subject headings that have been editorially mapped to Dewey numbers. 
  • The LCSH index includes all LCSH that have been mapped to Dewey numbers, whether they have been editorially or statistically mapped. 
  • The Relative Index index is a subset of the All Dewey index and includes all Relative Index terminology. 
  • The Notes index is a subset of the All Dewey index and includes all references found in the Notes area of Dewey records.  (This index is not the same as the User Notes database.) 
  • All Dewey index includes DDC schedule records, Manual records, Relative Index entries, and Notes.  Basically, this index contains all things Dewey; the mapped LCSH are excluded. 

You can search only one index or combine your search across these indexes.  You may also use Boolean searching in any index.  For example, you can complete a single search for 'Internet games' in the All Fields index and retrieve results.  You can also search for 'discrimination' in the Relative Index and 'rac*' in the LCSH (Editorially Mapped) and also retrieve a result. 

Last revised: 31 January 2004