Libraries use classification systems to organize the books and DVDs on their shelves. Most public libraries
use the Dewey Decimal Classification System (DDC) and most academic libraries (including UACCH Library) use the Library of Congress Classification System (LC).
These classification systems allow each book and video in the library to be assigned a unique call
number. A call number is like an address; it indicates where the book is located on the library shelves.
Anatomy of a Call Number
In the CatalogRead call numbers by line:
Read the 1st line in alphabetical order: A, B, BF, CK, M, ML
Read the 2nd line as a whole number. Read any number after a decimal point as a decimal number:
1, 2, 3, 55, 55.69, 55.7, 55.71
The 3rd line combines a letter and numbers. Read the letter alphabetically and the number
as a decimal. Some call numbers have more than one combination letter-number line: .C65 = .65 .C72 = .72
The last line is the publication date. Read in chronological order: 1985, 1999, 2010
/ On the
F 1226 .F67 1997 Shelf
F
1226
.F67
1997
/ F
1226 .F67 1997
F
1226
.F67
1997
/ The first 2 lines of the call number describe the subject of the book.
The 3rd line often represents the author’s name
The year the book was published.
A call number is assigned to each book and audio/visual item in the library. When searching the library catalog,
be sure to jot down the complete LC call number in order to locate the item on the shelf.
If you haven’t narrowed down your topic for a research assignment but have a general subject in mind,
you can also browse the shelves if you know the beginning Library of Congress classification letters for
that subject (e.g., BF – Psychology books; L - Education; PS – American Literature; R – Medicine) .
Many thanks to J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Library in Richmond, VA
for much of theinformationin this guide.