I went into a public library as opposed to a research library for the first time in 10 years and was taken aback by the cataloging; I know the LOC system well enough that I couldn’t find anything quickly. Why is fiction and non fiction separated in public libraries? What makes something fiction vs non?
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Also, this hit me last night…
The 800s in Dewey are literature, which could arguably also be classified under the general fiction sections by author name. However, it covers more poetry, plays, and classic literature – not so much modern fiction.
Of course there can be overlap and I have to say I don’t really know what can constitute either/both. The public libraries I worked at would have authors like Oscar Wilde in both sections, so it can be wonky.
If this helps with your searching needs in DDS, LibraryThing has [a great breakdown](https://www.librarything.com/mds) of classes as well as examples of what’s in those classes.
This is a good resource for figuring out not only differences, but those examples if you’re looking for a certain thing. Clicking on each category/sub-category will lead to the next. 🙂
Not sure why you got downvoted so heavily; the systems are so different that it helps to have explanations. I’m here for your library questions!
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