| Understanding Call Numbers |
Why do we use call numbers?
Each item in the library’s collection has a unique call number, which tells its exact location on the shelf. Our library uses the Library of Congress (LC) Classification System, which consists of a combination of letters and numbers to arrange items by subject. This means that subject-related items are shelved together. To learn more about this system and how to identify the letter(s) and numbers associated with your subject area click here or ask your librarian.
Once you identify an item’s call number and location area (Reference, Main Stacks, Children’s Library, etc.) in the library’s catalog (PILOT), you can find the item. Remember to copy the complete call number before heading off to the location area and shelves.
How do I read call numbers?
Call numbers appear in two formats (in several lines on the spines of books, or in a single line in the library’s catalog) and are read from top to bottom or left to right, as shown below:
A sample "shelf" of books to consider
BE
22
L678
2001 |
BF
131
G29
1950 |
HV
8141
C67
2009 |
QR
76
G38
1965
Vol.1 |
QR
76
G38
1965
Vol.2 |
RT
41
L728
1998 |
When reading call numbers, consider each line before moving on to the next line.
| 1st Line |
A before B before HA before QT before RM |
BE |
BE |
HA |
| 2nd Line |
1 before 2 before 100 before 101 before 500 (Read as a whole number) |
22 |
22 |
41 |
| 3rd Line |
This line is a combination of letters & numbers. Read the letter first and then the number following as a decimal L56=.56 L65=.65 |
L678 |
L68 |
T6543 |
| 4th Line |
This is the year the book was published |
2001 |
2001 |
1965 |
Joby Topper
Technical Services Librarian, Stevenson Library, LHUP
Adapted from the Tarleton State University Libraries LC Classification & Call Numbers
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