Libraries use classification systems to organize items so that materials on similar topics are shelved together. Most academic libraries, like TRU library, use the Library of Congress Classification System (LC).
Think of a call number as the book’s “address on the shelf.” It tells you exactly where to find it.
Each call number is made up of several parts, and its format may look slightly different depending on where you see it—on a computer screen or on the spine of a book.
Example call number: TK7881.6 M29 1993
TK
7881.6
M29
1993
It is not important that you know what "TK" represents. It is important that you understand that the letters "TK" are read in alphabetical order:A, B, BF, C, D...L, LA, LB, LC, M...Therefore, "TK" is shelved after TJ and before TL.
TK
7881.6
M29
1993
The second line of our call number is read as a whole number:1,2,3...4, 4.5, 4.9...32, 57, 57.01...In our example, "TK 7881.6" will be located after TK 7880.7 and before TK 7882.5
TK
7881.6
M29
1993
The third line is composed of a letter and a number. The letter is read alphabetically and the number is ALWAYS read as a decimal. L34, L373...M154, M29, M8... L34 = .34 L373 = .373That means that call number:TK7881.6 M29 1993 will be shelved before TK7881.6 M4 1992
TK
7881.6
M29
1993
The last line of our call number represents the year that the item was published. This line is read in chronological order:1984, 1985, 1989...1991, 1998...Not all call numbers will include a year of publication, but most current items will.
Using a call number to locate an item on the shelf, consider each line of the call number in turn, before moving on to the next line. The following call numbers are in order as they should appear on the shelves.
