How to Read LC Call Numbers

 

  • The firs set of letters is alphabetical and refers to the subject of the book. For example, H call numbers refer to books about Social Science topics.
  •  

     

     

  • The following set of numbers is in numerical order, and is a further breakdown of the book's subject
  •  

     

     

  • The following letters (after the decimal point) are alphabetical. The letter's usually refer to the author's last name.
  •  

     

     

  • The following numbers are in decimal order. Note that .C263 comes between .C26 and .C27.
  •  

     

     

  • After that there may be another line of letters and numbers, in alphabetical and decimal order. A publication date may also follow.

 

 

 

 

call number sample image

call number sample image

call number sample image

call number sample image

call number sample image

More on Call Numbers and the Dewey Decimal System