Dewey for Windows

Abstract

A software review of Dewey for Windows from OCLC and Forest Press is presented. It allows the user to search and display Dewey Decimal Classification and has the ability to allow the user to drag and drop information between windows.

OCLC Forest Press. 6565 Frantz Road, Dublin, Ohio 43017-3395. Phone: [phone], ext. 6237 or 1-614-764-6237. Toll-free fax: 1-888-DEWEY 21 (1-888339-3921). Internet: http://www.oclc. org/fp/ Price: $400 for a single copy, site license is $500 per year.

The entire text of Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) edition 21 is now available in an electronic format on CD-ROM. Dewey for Windows (DFW) is the newest format from OCLC and Forest Press. DFW is easy to use-even for those asccostomed to using print version of Dewey-and allows navigation via mouse or keyboard strokes. DFW requires a basic knowledge of Windows and it includes an interactive tutorial that allows the user to gain familiarity with all the screens and commands.

DFW can be accessed by a single user or over a Local Area Network (LAN). It allows the user to search and display Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and has the capability to allow the user to drag and drop information between windows. The suitcase icon that appears on various screens is a way to tell if information can be dragged and dropped into another screen. Letters on the suitcase indicate the current suitcase contents: 'T' for text and/or a DDC number, 'L' for the list shown in the active window. The four main views or windows in DFW are: browse, search, scan, and summary. The browse screen allows the user to display the search, DDC number, and DDC pages. The search screen enables the user to display the search and DDC numbers. The scan screen is used to view the DDC index, the search, and DDC numbers. The summary screen (the default screen) allows the user to display the DDC summary, DDC pages, the search, and DDC numbers. At the bottom of the screen is a place called the work area. This area allows the user to temporarily store DDC numbers while building them. Users can also use this area to cut and paste the numbers into other programs. The user is able to setup how the screens appear when used and save up to four combinations that can be accessed with a click of the mouse.

Indexes available for searching are: relative, captions, Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH), Dewey numbers, basic index, and notes. In the relative index, captions, and LCSH, the user is able to search using words or phrases. The basic index is a compilation of all the fields in the database. Notes are whatever notes the user chooses to put in the system, such as local classifications.

DFW has a built-in record that enables a user to view all the searches that have been made that session by clicking on the button labeled past. This option also allows the user to restore any of the searches. The button next to the past button is for notes. This enables the user to view any notes that may be listed for a particular DDC number, whether it is a note that is included in the record or one that has been added by a user. DFW also has sample bibliographic records from OCLC that show how a DDC number is being used. DFW allows the user to run PRISM and OCLC's Passport for Windows simultaneously. This allows cutting and pasting of Dewey numbers, subject headings, etc. between the applications using the Windows clipboard.

The help screens in this program are very useful and are easily accessible and searchable. There are two glossaries that allow users to search in the DDC glossary from the print format or from the DFW glossary for terms associated only with DFW. To access help at any time, from any screen, hit Fl. Help will automatically appear for that particular screen with links to more information. The tutorial is also a useful component of DFW.

Overall, Dewey for Windows is fairly easy to use and takes little time to learn. Using DFW enables the user to refer to DDC numbers/notes without having to look in the various volumes of the print version, saving desk/shelf space.-Kara Roberts, ILL Librarian/Technical Processing Assistant, Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library, Starkville, Ms.