Each item
in the libraries' collections has a unique call number, which tells where
the item is located on the shelves. Tarleton libraries use Library of Congress
(LC) Classification, which arranges items by broad/general subjects, then
by sub-subjects so subject-related items are shelved together and more easily
located.
Library materials are shelved alphabetically and numerically depending on
the call number, which is determined by the item's subject. Also, call numbers
have been assigned to many well-known authors so their works are shelved
together. Once you locate an item's call number and collection area (reference,
stacks, periodicals, etc.) in the library's catalog, you can find the item,
as well as browse for additional items with similar call numbers. Knowing
the letter(s) for your subject area also gives you a place to start when
browsing the shelves.
For an overview of the Library of Congress classification system, see the
Library of
Congress Classification outline, which shows the letters and
titles of main classification classes and is offered online by the Library
of Congress Cataloging Policy and Support Office.
Call numbers appear in two formats and are read from top to bottom or left
to right, as shown below:
Stacked on the spines of books
 Z
678.9
.H9
1987
|
In a single line
in the libraries' catalog
Z678.9.H9 1987 |
When reading
call numbers, consider each segment before moving on to the next segment.
This process is further explained below.
The following table offers explanations and examples of the segments of
Library of Congress call numbers. In each row, call numbers are arranged
in correct shelf order to show how they would be arranged on libary shelves.
Bold type indicates the portion of the call number being discussed.
Letter(s)
comprise the first segment and indicate an item's subject and sub-subject.
The library's arrangement is based on these letters and is, therefore, primarily
alphabetic. |
H
41
.E561 |
HA
17
.K4
1971 |
HB
34
.N6
1990
|
HC
240
.C518
2000 |
Numbers
comprise the next segment and define the subject matter more specifically.
Read these numbers as whole numbers. If this component contains a
period and another number (i.e. 678.9 and 678.93), read it like you
would a whole number with a decimal. |
Z
665
.M672
1984 |
Z
674
.K35 |
Z
678.9
.H9
1987
|
Z
678.93
.M53
A54
1987 |
Letters
and numbers comprise the next segment and indicate an author's last name
or a subject subdivision.
Read the letters alphabetically.
Read the numbers after the letter as decimals. |
KF
387
.C53
M3.1
.M466 |
KF
387
.H36
M3.1
.M5 |
KF
387
.K55
M3.1
.M84 |
KF
387
.L37
M3.1
.M9 |
Another
segment of letters and numbers may follow the previous one.
Again, read the letters alphabetically and the numbers as decimals. |
The
late segment, if given, indicates the item's publication date.
Items with the same call number are shelved chronologically by publication
date. |
PS
3515
.U274
A19
1968
|
PS
3515
.U274
A6
1969
|
PS
3515
.U274
A6
1971
|
PS
3515
.U274
A6
2000
|
|
