¶ Overview
The Gooey Decimal System is an eccentric and imaginative method of organizing books and scrolls, originating from the grand libraries of Absalom. Developed by the renowned gnome librarian Fizzywig "Gooey" Wobblefen, this system blends practicality with the whimsical charm typical of gnome culture, making it a favored system in numerous libraries across Golarion.
¶ History
The Gooey Decimal System was conceived by Fizzywig Wobblefen, affectionately known as "Gooey," who became the head librarian of the prestigious Grand Archive in Absalom. Gooey, a gnome with an insatiable curiosity and a penchant for playful innovation, found the traditional methods of book organization to be dull and uninspiring. Determined to create a system that reflected the joy of discovery and the unpredictable nature of knowledge, Gooey devised the Gooey Decimal System in the year 4710 AR.
¶ Structure and Organization
Unlike conventional classification systems, the Gooey Decimal System is based on thematic connections, vibrant color codes, and imaginative categorization. Books and scrolls are grouped not by subject alone, but also by their "story essence," a concept unique to Gooey's approach. Each item is tagged with a combination of symbols, colors, and alphanumeric codes that denote its primary themes, narrative style, and magical properties.
¶ Categories
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Adventures and Tales (AT):
- Color Code: Emerald Green
- Symbol: A pair of crossed swords
- Description: This category includes heroic sagas, legendary quests, and fables from various cultures.
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Arcane Mysteries (AM):
- Color Code: Amethyst Purple
- Symbol: A mystical eye
- Description: Texts on magic theory, spellcraft, and arcane lore fall under this category.
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Nature and Beasts (NB):
- Color Code: Leafy Green
- Symbol: A tree with intertwined roots
- Description: Books about flora, fauna, and natural phenomena are categorized here.
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Histories and Chronicles (HC):
- Color Code: Royal Blue
- Symbol: An open book with a quill
- Description: This section contains historical records, chronicles of events, and biographies of notable figures.
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Divine Knowledge (DK):
- Color Code: Golden Yellow
- Symbol: A radiant sun
- Description: Texts related to deities, religious practices, and divine magic are placed in this category.
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Crafts and Innovations (CI):
- Color Code: Burnt Orange
- Symbol: A gear and hammer
- Description: Manuals on engineering, alchemy, and various crafts are included here.
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Mysterious Oddities (MO):
- Color Code: Midnight Black
- Symbol: A question mark with a swirl
- Description: This eclectic section houses texts on esoteric subjects, cryptids, and unsolved mysteries.
¶ Adoption and Impact
Since its inception, the Gooey Decimal System has spread far beyond the Grand Archive in Absalom. Many libraries across Golarion, from the bustling city of Magnimar to the scholarly halls of Oppara, and even the lowly grease rooms of Callahan Auto parts have adopted the system. Its creativity and ease of use have made it popular among librarians and patrons alike. The system's unique approach to categorization fosters a sense of exploration and discovery, making libraries more inviting and engaging.