Page 115 - DLIS002_KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATION CLASSIFICATION AND CATALOGUING THEORY

Knowledge Organization: Classification and Cataloguing Theory

Notes Introduction

Each book in the library has a unique call number. A call number is like an address: it tells us
where the book is located in the library. It is written from top to bottom, left to right. The
Curriculum Library uses the Dewey Decimal System to classify items. Dewey call numbers start
with numbers and often include letters. Class numbers are the numbers we use to organise our
books in subject order on the library shelves. The class number for each book appears on a label
on its spine or, in the case of very thin books, its front cover.

6.1 Call Number

A call number is a unique code given to each item in the library. It identifies the subject and
location of each book, journal, video, map, etc. McPherson Library arranges most items using
the Library of Congress (LC) Classification system, which uses call numbers that start with
letters and also include numbers. You can use LC Classification to see what call numbers are
used for your topic.

Example: McPherson book, using LC: PR6057 R37 I45
Curriculum book, using Dewey: 823 R6784H33125
In any library classification system, each book has its own call number — a unique combination
of letters and numbers shown on the spine or on the front of the book. Books are arranged on the
shelves by the call number, which serves as an address for the book. In the Dewey Decimal
system, call numbers begin with a three-digit figure. In the Library of Congress system, call
numbers begin with one or two letters. Call numbers and library classification are intertwined
because each field of study is represented by a call number.

Example: In the Library of Congress system, the letter L represents education, the letter
Q represents science, N represents the arts, and so forth. Each book in that field receives a
corresponding call number all books about education have a call number beginning with L and
all books about science have a call number beginning with Q.
In the Dewey Decimal system, all books about education have call numbers in the 370’s and all
books about science have call numbers in the 500’s. This is why books about the same discipline
are together on the shelf. Call numbers get longer as the subject represented become more
specific.
6.1.1 Beginning of Call Number

Call numbers can begin with one, two, or three letters.
The first letter of a call number represents one of the 21 major divisions of the LC System.
In the example, the subject “Q” is Science.
The second letter “E” represents a subdivision of the sciences, Geology. All books in the
QE’s are primarily about Geology.

1. Books in categories E, United States History, and F, Local U.S. History and American
History, do not have a second letter (exception: in Canada, FC is used for Canadian
history).

2. Books about Law, K’s, can have three letters, such as KFH, Law of Hawaii. Some
areas of history (D) also have three-letter call numbers.

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