Tarleton State University Libraries Unit 5 LC CLASSIFICATION & CALL NUMBERS   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 their call numbers, which are determined by the items' subjects. Also, call numbers have been assigned to many well-known authors so their works are shelved together. Knowing the classification letter(s) for your subject area can help you locate materials on specific and related subjects, as well as browse the shelves for "fortunate finds." 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. FORMATS USED TO WRITE CALL NUMBERS Call numbers on library materials and in the catalog appear in two formats and are read from top to bottom or left to right, as shown below: Stacked on the spines of materials Z 678.9 .H9 1987 In a single line in the libraries' catalog Z678.9.H9 1987   TOP HOW TO READ CALL NUMBERS When reading call numbers, consider each segment before moving on to the next segment. This process is illustrated in the following tables, which explain and give examples of the segments in Library of Congress call numbers. In each row, call numbers are arranged in correct shelf order to show how they would be arranged on library 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, so it's primarily alphabetic. H 41 .E561 HA 17 .K4 1971 HB 34 .N6 1990 HC 240 .C518 2000   Numbers comprise the next segment and more specifically indicate subject. Read these numbers as whole numbers. If this component contains a period and another number (i.e. 674.7 and 678.93), read it like you would a whole number with a decimal. Z 665 .M672 1984 Z 674 .K35 Z 674.7 .L52 1990 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   TOP Another segment of letters and numbers may follow the previous one. Again, read the letters alphabetically and the numbers as decimals.   The last segment, if given, indicates the item's publication date. Items with the same call number are shelved chronologically by publication date. PS 3515 .U274 A6 1959 PS 3515 .U274 A6 1969 PS 3515 .U274 A6 1971 PS 3515 .U274 A6 2000    Locating Items Using Catalog Info Using Other Catalog Features   Library Orientation Site Index Updated 8/2004