Accessibility to collections in an elementary school library: adapted use of the Dewey Decimal Classification system in conjunction with image and color

Abstract

The experience of the school library of Elementary School No. 87, "Barrio Libertador," in General San Martín, is presented regarding the search for and implementation of a child-friendly classification system to organize its collections and ensure access to information. A bibliographical survey was conducted to identify precedents for the application of such systems to child users at the national and international levels. The results obtained reveal adapted uses of the Universal Decimal Classification system in Spanish public school and municipal libraries. Adapted uses of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system are scarce, and isolated practices are evident across different types of libraries in Chile. The adaptations investigated present inconsistencies in their application. As a result, an adapted classification system was developed, called the DDC System for Primary Education. This system uses an alphanumeric code, color, and images as the main means of accessing information, adhering to the principles of Universal Design for Learning to ensure the inclusion of all users. The process of developing the aforementioned system and its application in the school library are described. The importance of user training to ensure the effectiveness of the system developed is analyzed.