brege Dewey Classification
Assign Dewey codes and determine shelf location in BOOKS_DIR/.
Assignment Process
- Identify primary subject matter
- ALWAYS read data/codes.md to find the correct code and category name
- Check existing BOOKS_DIR/ directory structure
- Apply leafing rules to determine final path
CRITICAL: Directory Naming
NEVER invent or guess category names. Before creating any directory:
- Read data/codes.md
- Find the exact line matching the code (e.g.,
- 130 Parapsychology and occultism) - Use the EXACT name from that file:
130 - Parapsychology and occultism
Format: XXX - [exact name from codes.md]
Examples from data/codes.md:
- 110 Metaphysics→ directory:110 - Metaphysics- 130 Parapsychology and occultism→ directory:130 - Parapsychology and occultism- 160 Philosophical logic→ directory:160 - Philosophical logic
If you cannot find a code in data/codes.md, ask the user.
Leafing Rules
Directories stay flat until thresholds trigger subdivision. Do not create empty directories.
Hierarchy: centennials (X00) → decades (XY0) → integrals (XYZ)
Rule: When to Create Subdirectory
Create XY0 subdirectory under X00 ONLY when BOTH conditions met:
- X00 contains 6+ books total
- 3+ books share the same Y value (would belong in XY0)
Same rule applies recursively: create XYZ under XY0 when XY0 has 6+ books and 3+ share same Z.
Rule: Do NOT Create Preemptively
- Never create empty directories
- Never create a subdivision with fewer than 3 books
- Keep books at the parent level until the threshold is reached
- Example: If you have 2 ethics books in 100/, leave them in 100/. Do not create 170/ until you have 3+ ethics books AND 6+ total in 100/.
The goal is minimal bureaucratic structure. Only subdivide when the volume justifies separating material from the pack.
Example
500 - Natural Sciences and Mathematics/
(5 physics books, 2 math books, 1 astronomy book)
Total: 8 books. Physics has 5 (3+ threshold met). Create 530 subdirectory:
500 - Natural Sciences and Mathematics/
530 - Physics/
(5 physics books)
(2 math books, 1 astronomy book remain in 500)
When math reaches 3+ books, create 510 subdirectory.
Current Structure
Check BOOKS_DIR/ before placing. Always verify directory names against data/codes.md.
Subdirectories are created dynamically based on leafing rules. Do not assume a fixed structure - scan the actual directory and cross-reference with data/codes.md.
Category Guidelines
Always look up the exact code and name in data/codes.md. Common top-level categories:
- 000 - Computer science, information, general works
- 100 - Philosophy & psychology (includes 150 Psychology)
- 300 - Social sciences (economics, politics, law)
- 500 - Natural sciences and mathematics
- 600 - Technology (includes 640 Home economics)
- 700 - Arts
- 800 - Literature (810 N. American, 820 English, 890 other languages)
- 900 - History & geography (includes 920 Biography)
Classification Examples
When classifying, find the most specific applicable code:
- Philosophy of mind → look up 12X codes in data/codes.md
- Ethics → 170 Ethics (Moral philosophy)
- Psychology → 150 Psychology
- Cooking → 641 Food & drink (check data/codes.md for exact name)
Always verify against data/codes.md before creating directories.
Code Reference
The authoritative source is data/codes.md. Read it before every classification decision.
When to Ask User
- Book spans multiple primary subjects equally
- Subject is specialized and code unclear
- Purpose ambiguous (philosophy about X vs history of X)
- New directory creation uncertain