A call number is the "address" of a library book. It identifies the shelf location of the library book.
The call number of the book is usually located on the spine of the book.
Library materials are organized by subject area, but these subjects are arranged on the shelf by its call number.
Library call numbers can be broken down into the following four parts
- letters (that designate its broad subject)
- numbers (that further narrow down its subject)
- cutter number (a number and letter combination that designates the author)
- year (the year the book was published)
Example:
Title of book: Religious transformation in Western society : the end of happiness
Author: Ferguson, Harvie
Call Number: BL65.H36F47 1991
| BL |
The double letters are for the subclass, Religion, mythology, rationalism. |
| 65 |
This number is for Religion, in relation to other subjects |
| .H36 |
The first cutter number for the topic Happiness |
| F47 |
The second cutter number is for the main entry of the author's last name Ferguson |
| 1991 |
This is the year of publication |
Library of Congress Call Number System
A General Works
B Philosophy and Religion
BF Psychology
C History
D History (Old World)
DA Great Britain
DS Asia
DT Africa
E American History (U.S.)
F American History (Local and Canada, Mexico and Latin America)
G Geography, Anthropology, and Folklore
GV Sports
H Social Science
HF Commerce
HQ Family, Marriage, Home
HV Social Problems J Political Science
JK United States
K Law
L Education
M Music
ML Literature of Music
N Fine Arts
P Language and Literature
PQ Romance Literature
PS American Literature
Q Science QA Mathematics
QM Human Anatomy
R Medicine
S Agriculture
T Technology
U Military Science
V Naval Science
Z Bibliography and Library Science
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