The New York Times reports on a library in Arizona which has abandoned the Dewey Classification system for a "neighborhood" or bookstore style arrangement. These attempts at delivering a more patron friendly library always intrigue me because of the problems I have encountered finding things in bookstores. Browsing works when you have a vague idea of the type of book you want to read (mystery, history, cooking, etc.) , but it can be frustrating if your needs are more focused (low cholesterol cooking, the battle for Anzio during World War II) because you might need to "browse" several shelves looking for something that fits your request. And often, even helpful bookstore staff are stumped.

In a bookstore they might not even have a title that fits your need, but, in a more comprehensive library, how do you find what you need in the library without a classification system? While both Dewey and LC may have their drawbacks, I can't see abandoning them for no method of organization. If there is no catalog to use, are the items classified in some other way so the staff know what "neighborhood" titles 'live in'? Is there a secret 'staff catalog' of authors, titles, and subjects headings? How do the staff cope with questions?