|
Call Numbers |
|
Each book in
the library has a unique call number. A call number is like an address-it tells us where the book is located in the library. Call
numbers appear on the spines of books and in the online
catalog.
|
 |
 |
|
Note that the
same call number can be written from
top to bottom, or left to right.
The TCNJ Library,
like many academic libraries in the U.S., uses
Library of Congress
Classification for call numbers. This system uses a combination
of letters and numbers to arrange materials by subject.
Reading Call
Numbers |
LB
2395
.C65
1991 |
Read the first line in alphabetical
order (A, B, BF, C....L, LA...) |
|
Read the second line as a whole
number (1, 2, 3...100, 105...) |
|
Read the third line letter alphabetically and the number
as a decimal. (.C65=.65 , .C724=.724)
Note: Some call numbers have more than one letter number
combination line. |
|
The fourth line is the year the book
was published. Read this line in chronological order. (1906, 1991,
2004...) |
|
Putting Call
Numbers in Shelf Order
To
understand how call numbers are put in order in Library of Congress
Classification, again look at each section of the call number.
|
 |
|
What Does
the Call Number Mean?
Remember that
Library of Congress Classification arranges materials by subject.
The first sections of the call number represent the subject of the
book. The letter-and-decimal section of the call number often
represents the author's last name. As you probably recall, the
last section of a call number is often the date of publication.
For
example:
|
Title What You Need to Know about Developing Study Skills,
Taking Notes and Tests, Using Dictionaries and Libraries
Author Coman, Martha J.
Call Number LB 2395 .C65 1991 |
LB
2395 |
The
first two lines of the call number describe the subject of the
book.
LB 2395=Methods of study in higher education |
|
.C65 |
The
third line often represents the authors last name. .C65=Coman |
|
1991 |
The
fourth line represents the year of publication. |
|
Why is
this important to know?
Since books are classified by subject, you can often find several
helpful books on the same shelf, or nearby.
For example, within the
same call number LB 2395,the call number that represents methods of
study in higher education, there are other guides for college study.
Since Library
of Congress Classification arranges materials by subject, knowing
the letter(s) for your subject area gives you a place to start browsing
the shelves.
|
