Library of congress classification system call numbers

HOW TO READ CALL NUMBERS

A call number is like an address for a book.

Library of congress classification pdf

It tells you exactly where to go to find the book, or where the book should be returned. The call number is made up of letters, whole numbers, decimals, almost always a publication date, and occasionally a volume and/or copy number.

This allows for each book to have a specific identity and location. One book’s identity/location cannot be confused with another book's identity/location.

For example, a library patron is looking for John Steinbeck's classic novel, The Grapes of Wrath. After the patron conducts a search in the LRC’s online library catalog:

1.) they find that several editions of the book are available at CVCC;

2.) they choose the Viking edition;

3.) they find this call number on the display record:

PS 3537 .T3234 G8 1967

On the spine of the book, the call number is arranged vertically by component part:

        &nbs