Reading Call Numbers

Library of Congress call numbers should be read one line at a time, as follows:

• Line 1 --- DA
• Line 2 --- 36
• Line 3 --- A777

Line 1: Arrangement of Line 1 is alphabetical.

Line 2: Within the DAs, the arrangement of Line 2 is by whole numbers, as in counting.

Line 3: Within the DA 36s, arrangement of line 3 is first alphabetical, and then numerical; however, the number in line 3 is read as a decimal rather than a whole number.

These rules do not vary. If you apply them and still do not find the material you need, here are some follow-up actions:

• Look on carrels and tables nearby - another user may have left the books there.
• Return to the catalog [there are terminals on every floor] and double check the call number - you may have miscopied it.
• Ask the circulation desk - the item may be checked out. You can request a "hold" on the book or search if it has not been checked out.

[Copied with permission of the University of Richmond Libraries.]