LibAnswers

What is a call number?

A call number is a unique code given to each item in the library. It identifies the subject and location of each book, journal, video, map, etc. Heritage College library arranges most items using the Library of Congress (LC) classification system, which uses call numbers that start with letters and also includes numbers.

Go to the indicated location then look for the call number. It will be one line in the catalogue but broken into at least two parts on the book, found on the book's spine. Hunt it down one part at a time.

• The other major classification system is the Dewey Decimal which is used mostly in public and school libraries
  • Dewey Decimal always begin with a number 
• The following are locally classified sections not using the LCC system:
  • Young adult fiction - YA FIC then the first three letters of the author's last name
    • Example: YA FIC DEN
  • Popular fiction - FIC then the first three letters of the author's last name
    • Example: FIC REN
  • Graphic Novels - the first three letters of the author's last name on the spine following graphic novel sticker 
    • Example: Graphic Novels - STE
  • DVDs are classified using a local classification system
    • All DVDs start with AV-VC then follow with a call number associated with the subject of the film
      • Example: AV-VC D 743 A867 2007

How do call numbers work?

The following are steps to finding a call number on the shelf: 

1. Once you have call number for your book or item make sure to follow the signs attached to the shelves to find the item in the section the call number is assigned to
2. Call numbers beginning with a single letter come before call numbers with a second letter, e.g.: B  BC, BD, BF, and so on until BX
3. Once you are in the correct letter area (in this example BX), the books are in number order
   1. BX 2976 comes after BX 90 and before BX 3000
4. Th next part of the call number known as the cutter is read like decimals
   1. BX 2976 J76 comes before BX 2976 J8
5. Many books also include the year of publication
   1. For this example the year would be 1994
   2. This will help you find the right edition if there is more than one

Library of Congress (LC) classification system and call numbers (subject classifications)

The Library of Congress classification system divides subjects into 21 very broad categories:

A - General Works
B - Philosophy, Psychology, Religion
C – History - Civilization
D - History – General (not U.S.)
E - U.S. History
F - U.S. Local History and Latin American History
G - Geography, Anthropology, Recreation
H - Social Sciences
J - Political Science
K - Law
L - Education
M - Music
N - Fine Arts
P - Language & Literature
Q - Science
R - Medicine
S - Agriculture
T - Technology
U - Military Science
V - Naval Science
Z - Information Science

To view all sub-classifications check out a more in-depth outline here: Library of Congress Classification Outline