1. HOW DO YOU FIND
STUFF IN A LIBRARY?
Librarian Lays Down the Law
2. CALL NUMBERS
Each item in the library (i.e., books, journals, DVDs, etc.) has a
unique call number.
A series of letters and numbers.
The call number is taped to the front or side of an item.
Also shown in the online library catalog.
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6. PURPOSE OF CALL NUMBERS
Indicates the book's location in the library.
The call number is like an address, telling you where an item is
located.
7. PURPOSE OF CALL NUMBERS
A call number represents an item's subject matter.
Books written about the same subject have similar call numbers.
This means they are grouped together on the shelf, making it easier
for users to browse materials owned by the library on a specific topic
or in the same general subject area.
8. TYPES OF CALL NUMBERS
Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC)
SuDocs (Superintendent of Documents)
Library of Congress Classification (LCC or LC)
9. DEWEY DECIMAL
CLASSIFICATION
Used by most school and public libraries.
These call numbers begin with Arabic numerals.
• Example: 815 GRE
10. SUDOCS
Stands for Superintendent of Documents.
Used by libraries in the United States serving as federal depositories.
These call numbers arrange materials by federal agency.
They begin with letters from the English alphabet. The letters stand
for the name of the issuing agency.
• Example: A 13.3:IR 11
• A stands for Agriculture Department
11. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
CLASSIFICATION
Used by most academic and research libraries.
The most common call number type is Library of Congress (LC).
These call numbers begin with letters of the English alphabet.
• Example: PN6112. G675 2002
