SACRED LEGACY ARCHIVES™

Melvil Dewey

1851-12-10 – 1931-12-26

Portrait of Melvil Dewey
Portrait photo of Melvil Dewey by Bach Bros, published in A history of the Adirondacks (1921)Credit: Pach Brothers

Life & Legacy

Melville Louis Kossuth "Melvil" Dewey (December 10, 1851 – December 26, 1931) was an American librarian and educator who invented the Dewey Decimal system of library classification. He was a founder of the Lake Placid Club, a chief librarian at Columbia College, founder of what would later become the Columbia University School of Library Service, and a founding member of the American Library Association. Although Dewey's contributions to the modern library are widely recognized, his legacy is marred by his sexual harassment of female colleagues, as well as his racism and antisemitism.

Occupation & Career

librarian, journalist, scientist, teacher, editor

Education

Amherst College; Alfred University

Faith & Community

Christianity

Accomplishments, Inventions & Publications

Library Hall of Fame; Dewey Decimal Classification

Legacy Highlights

Honors & Awards

Library Hall of Fame

Church

Christianity

Employer

Columbia University

Organizations & Memberships

American Library Association

Notable Work

Dewey Decimal Classification

Education & Institutions

Alfred University · Amherst College

Verified Legacy Record

Sources & Provenance

  1. Wikidata population candidate Q26879 — wikidata View source

Are you related to Melvil Dewey?

Family members can contribute records, photographs and stories or request stewardship of this legacy.

Claim this legacy or contribute family history

View Family Tree