8/2001

Call numbers are used to arrange books or other library materials on the library shelves in an organized way according to their main subject. The two major call number systems are based on two subject classification systems: the Dewey Decimal (DD) and the Library of Congress (LC). RML uses the LC classification system except for Curriculum Materials which are arranged according to the DD system. Both systems use a letter and numeral combination to create a unique call number for each item. LC call numbers begin with one to three letters while DD call numbers begin with numerals.

Dewey Decmal Call Number:

221

Ar37

Library of Congress Call Number:

BD

543

.F45

Consider the following points to help you find a book on the library shelves:

• Each call number is made up of two to six lines of letters and numerals. You will need to write down the complete call number when going to locate a book so you can distinguish between call numbers which are similar but not exactly the same.

• Call numbers are arranged in alphabetical and/or numerical order except for the lines containing letters and numerals together. The numerals in those lines are arranged in decimal order.

 Here is a list of LC call numbers with explanations of why they are in correct order:

1. LA2301 .M37
2. LB2327 .M3 (LB comes after LA)
3. LB2327 .V53 1990 (V comes after M)
4. LB2328 .B37 (2328 comes after 2327)
5. LB2328 .C34 (C comes after B)
6. LB2328.4 .C452 (2328.4 comes after 2328)
7. LB2328.4 .C5 (Decimal .5 is bigger than decimal .452 )
8. LB2395 .C65 (2395 comes after 2328.4 )
9. LB2395 .C65 1987 (1987 comes after nothing)
10. LB2395 .C65 1991 (1991 comes after 1987)

• The first section of both LC and DD call numbers represents the main subject area of the book; this means information related to the same main subject will be located in the same area on the shelf. The letter and decimal section of a call number usually represents the author’s last name. If a four-digit numeral appears in the last section of a call number, it usually is the date of publication.

• A location name can be added before the first section of the call number to indicate where the item can be found. Some examples from RML are: REF (reference collection); FOL (folio (oversized) collection); LAW (law collection); CURR FIC or CURR (curriculum fiction or curriculum collection). RML audio visual materials (except those on Reserve) are kept at the north end of the south wing.

If TOPCAT lists library items as available and you cannot locate them, please consult a librarian or library assistant.