INI
Nippon Decimal Classification (First Level Categories) - INI
The Nippon Decimal Classification (NDC) is a library classification system managed by the Japan Library Association, originally developed by Mori Kiyoshi in 1929 based on the Dewey Decimal Classification. The first level consists of 10 major categories numbered from 0 to 9, covering all knowledge domains including General Works, Philosophy, History, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Technology, Industry, The Arts, Language, and Literature. It is adopted by 99% of public libraries and 92% of university libraries in Japan, serving as the foundation for systematic organization and retrieval of books.
library
classification system
book classification
NDC
Japan Library Association
[item.general-works]
code=0
slug=general-works
name=General Works
description=Classification for comprehensive materials spanning multiple fields, including library science, encyclopedias, and general essay collections.
[item.philosophy]
code=1
slug=philosophy
name=Philosophy
description=Classification for human spiritual activities including philosophy, psychology, ethics, and religion.
[item.history]
code=2
slug=history
name=History
description=Classification for human history and regions, including history, biography, and geography.
[item.social-sciences]
code=3
slug=social-sciences
name=Social Sciences
description=Classification for social systems including politics, law, economics, and education.
[item.natural-sciences]
code=4
slug=natural-sciences
name=Natural Sciences
description=Classification for laws of nature including mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine.
[item.technology]
code=5
slug=technology
name=Technology
description=Classification for practical applications of science including engineering, architecture, machinery, and home economics.
[item.industry]
code=6
slug=industry
name=Industry
description=Classification for economic activities and industries including agriculture, commerce, transportation, and communication.
[item.the-arts]
code=7
slug=the-arts
name=The Arts
description=Classification for arts and entertainment including fine arts, music, theater, and sports.
[item.language]
code=8
slug=language
name=Language
description=Classification for linguistics and dictionaries of Japanese, English, and other languages.
[item.literature]
code=9
slug=literature
name=Literature
description=Classification for literary works and literary studies of various countries, including novels, poetry, and drama.