Understanding Call Numbers Tutorial

Penn State University Libraries uses "Library of Congress" call numbers.

Call numbers appear differently on the book spine and on the online catalog screen.

Multi-line call numbers on books

Multi-line call numbers on books

Call numbers as they appear in the CAT - single line

Call numbers as they appear in the CAT - single line

 

The following call numbers are arranged correctly as they would appear on the shelf.

  • The first line of a call number is filed alphabetically and then as a whole number. (Look for B230 in the hundreds, and B2342 in the thousands.)
  • The second line is filed alphabetically and then as decimals (think of .C4 as .C40)
  • If the second line consists of a number only, it is filed as a decimal after the letters.
  • Dates are filed chronologically after all previous parts are in order. (QD586.8 1996 is filed before QD586.8 1998.)

 

Call numbers as they would appear on the shelf.

 

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