Dorothy Porter Wesley: The Black Woman Who Transformed the Dewey Decimal System

In the annals of library science, few figures stand as tall as Dorothy Porter. Libraries are often considered the gateways to knowledge, but have you ever wondered how books are categorized and organized? The Dewey Decimal System (DDS) has been the backbone of library classification for over a century, but it wasn’t always as inclusive or reflective of diverse perspectives. Enter Dorothy Porter—a pioneering Black librarian who played a crucial role in modernizing and updating the Dewey Decimal System, making it more accessible and representative.

Who Was Dorothy Porter?

Before we dive into her impact on the DDS, let’s first get to know Dorothy Porter. Born into a world where systemic barriers often limited opportunities for Black women, Porter defied the odds by excelling in library science. She was passionate about knowledge, accessibility, and ensuring that libraries served everyone, not just a privileged few.

Her journey in the library world led her to recognize major flaws in the Dewey Decimal System, particularly in how it classified books about race, culture, and marginalized communities. With a keen eye for detail and a heart for inclusivity, she set out to change that.

Appointed in 1930 as the librarian at Howard University, Porter recognized the limitations and inherent biases of the existing Dewey Decimal Classification system. The Dewey system, widely adopted in libraries, had relegated works by Black authors and about Black experiences to narrow categories, often clustering them under subjects like slavery or colonization. This not only marginalized the vast contributions of Black scholars but also made it challenging for readers to access a comprehensive range of Black literature and research.

Porter challenged this systemic bias by developing a new classification system that highlighted the contributions of Black individuals across various fields. Instead of confining works to limited categories, she organized them by genre and author, ensuring that Black scholars were represented alongside their white counterparts. This reorganization not only made Black literature more accessible but also emphasized its integral role in all areas of study.

Her efforts culminated in the establishment of Howard’s Moorland-Spingarn Research Center, one of the world’s leading repositories for Black history and culture. Through her visionary work, Porter not only transformed library classification systems but also played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Black scholarship.

Dorothy Porter’s legacy serves as a testament to the power of challenging established norms and the importance of creating inclusive systems that recognize and celebrate the contributions of all individuals.

What Is the Dewey Decimal System?

For those unfamiliar, the Dewey Decimal System is a classification system used by libraries to organize books by subject. Developed by Melvil Dewey in 1876, the system assigns numerical codes to different topics. While effective in many ways, the original DDS had serious shortcomings:

• Eurocentric Bias: It largely favored Western literature, history, and perspectives.
• Religious Imbalance: Christianity had an overwhelming amount of space, while other religions were squeezed into minimal classifications.
• Marginalized Voices Ignored: Books on Black history, Indigenous cultures, and other non-Western topics were often miscategorized or placed under vague or dismissive headings.

Porter saw these issues and knew that a change was long overdue.

How Did Dorothy Porter Update the Dewey Decimal System?

Porter’s work in library science focused on restructuring and expanding the DDS to better represent diverse voices. Some of her key contributions included:

1. Reclassifying Black Literature and History

Before Porter’s efforts, many books about Black history, culture, and authors were either placed under “Miscellaneous” or categorized in ways that diminished their significance. She advocated for and helped implement new classifications that properly recognized Black literature and historical figures.

2. Expanding Religious Representation

She worked on adjusting the DDS so that non-Christian religions had more accurate and equitable placement. Previously, world religions were often lumped together under a single category, while Christianity dominated multiple sections. Porter’s revisions helped balance this inequity.

3. Addressing Bias in Subject Headings

Many library catalogs used outdated, offensive, or dismissive language when referring to topics related to race, gender, and culture. Porter pushed for more respectful and accurate terminology, ensuring that marginalized communities were represented fairly in library records.

4. Promoting Accessibility in Libraries

Beyond classification, Porter also advocated for libraries to be more welcoming spaces for marginalized groups. She worked to ensure that libraries carried more diverse books and that patrons of all backgrounds could easily find literature relevant to their identities and histories.

Why Does Porter’s Work Matter Today?

Dorothy Porter’s contributions to the Dewey Decimal System have had a lasting impact. While the DDS continues to evolve, her push for inclusivity laid the groundwork for modern updates. Today, library science continues to grapple with issues of bias and representation, but thanks to pioneers like Porter, progress has been made.

Her work reminds us that libraries aren’t just places to borrow books—they are institutions that shape our understanding of the world. Without proper classification and representation, entire histories and cultures can be overlooked or minimized.

The Ongoing Evolution of the Dewey Decimal System

Even with Porter’s efforts, the Dewey Decimal System remains a work in progress. Some libraries have even moved away from it in favor of more flexible, inclusive classification methods. However, her influence is undeniable. The conversations she started about representation and accessibility in library science continue to inspire change.

Legacy

Dorothy Porter’s name may not be widely known, but her work speaks volumes. As we continue striving for inclusivity in education, literature, and beyond, her legacy serves as a powerful reminder that who organizes knowledge matters just as much as the knowledge itself.

Next time you visit a library, take a moment to appreciate the system that helps you find the books you need—and remember the unsung heroes like Dorothy Parker who fought to make it better for everyone.