Books are beginning to come in dealing with various aspects of the events of September 11. How should these be classified?

Even though the attacks were centered in New York City and Washington, D.C., the events affected the entire nation. Use 973.931 for comprehensive works about the September 11 terrorist attacks.

There are several other DDC numbers that are appropriate for specific topics related to the events of September 11. Use 364.10973 for works discussing the September 11 events as one example of terrorism in the United States. For works discussing the events as a specific kind of crime, use the number for the kind of crime--e.g., murder, hijacking, violent offenses against property--because terrorism that constitutes only one type of crime is classified with that type. Numbers in 363 may also be relevant, e.g., 363.12472 for new measures to prevent air hijacking, 363.3497 for the rescue operations.

Since September 11, we have also experienced acts of bioterrorism in the U.S. The comprehensive number for bioterrorism is 303.625. Discussions of bioterrorism as a criminal offense are classed in 364.1. Sadly, we expect to see a resurgence of interest in a number that has been in Dewey since the earliest editions: 616.956 Anthrax.

Last revised: 05 September 2003