Abstract The OCLC Dewey Cutter Program V1 10.6 is a specialized software utility designed to automate the generation of Cutter numbers (author marks) for library classification, specifically within the context of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system. This paper examines the program’s core functionality, its algorithmic approach to generating Cutter numbers from author names or titles, its integration into cataloging workflows, and a technical assessment of version 1.10.6. While the program remains a practical tool for libraries using DDC, its limitations regarding edge cases and non-Roman scripts are discussed. 1. Introduction In library classification, the Cutter number (also known as a book number or author mark) provides a unique alphanumeric code that arranges books alphabetically by author or title within the same class number. Charles Ammi Cutter’s original table (1880s) assigned two- or three-character codes based on the first letters of a surname. The OCLC Dewey Cutter Program automates this process, and version V1 10.6 (interpreted as version 1.10.6) represents a stable, widely-used iteration.
The program is not part of OCLC Connexion but rather a standalone utility distributed by OCLC for libraries that maintain their own local systems or produce spine labels offline. 2.1 Input and Output The program accepts a text string—typically an author’s last name (e.g., “Rowling”) or a title (e.g., “Harry Potter”). It outputs a Cutter number of configurable length (usually 1–6 characters), beginning with a capital letter followed by numeric digits. Oclc Dewey Cutter Program V1 10.6
Abstract The OCLC Dewey Cutter Program V1 10.6 is a specialized software utility designed to automate the generation of Cutter numbers (author marks) for library classification, specifically within the context of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system. This paper examines the program’s core functionality, its algorithmic approach to generating Cutter numbers from author names or titles, its integration into cataloging workflows, and a technical assessment of version 1.10.6. While the program remains a practical tool for libraries using DDC, its limitations regarding edge cases and non-Roman scripts are discussed. 1. Introduction In library classification, the Cutter number (also known as a book number or author mark) provides a unique alphanumeric code that arranges books alphabetically by author or title within the same class number. Charles Ammi Cutter’s original table (1880s) assigned two- or three-character codes based on the first letters of a surname. The OCLC Dewey Cutter Program automates this process, and version V1 10.6 (interpreted as version 1.10.6) represents a stable, widely-used iteration.
The program is not part of OCLC Connexion but rather a standalone utility distributed by OCLC for libraries that maintain their own local systems or produce spine labels offline. 2.1 Input and Output The program accepts a text string—typically an author’s last name (e.g., “Rowling”) or a title (e.g., “Harry Potter”). It outputs a Cutter number of configurable length (usually 1–6 characters), beginning with a capital letter followed by numeric digits.