Call Numbers

You can also learn how to read call numbers with our brief online tutorial.

What is a call number?

A call number tells you where to find a book in the library. Basically, it is the book's "address." Call numbers ensure that books on the same subject are shelved near each other.

Each call number begins with one or two letters representing a broad class of knowledge: for example, B = Philosophy, BF = Psychology, HM = Sociology, PR = Literature, and so on. These classes are further subdivided by numbers representing more specific topics. Thus, a book about English romantic poetry may have the call number: PR 571 F79 1990.

The call number for a book will be found in the Novanet catalogue and printed on the book's spine (or front cover).

Finding Books By Call Number

To find a book on the shelf, think of the call number as you would a street address, and track it down one element at a time. If visiting a friend's new apartment, you would first find the street, then look for the correct building number, and then the apartment number. Call numbers can be tracked in the same way. For example, to find a book with the call number PR 571 F79 1990, you would look for the first element (PR), then the second (571), the third (F79)... until you find the exact spot on the shelf where the book belongs.

Example:

The above call numbers are arranged in the order in which they would appear on the shelf.

If you have any difficulty locating a particular call number on the shelf, please ask for assistance at the Information Desk on the 1st floor of the library.

Click here for a list of call number shelf locations.

This page last modified Wednesday, 02-May-2012 14:39:57 ADT