LSU Libraries - Understanding Call Numbers Tutorial

CONTENTS:
Introduction
Dewey Call Numbers
LC Call Numbers
SuDocs Call Numbers
How to Read the Call Numbers

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ADDITIONAL MATERIAL:
Library of Congress Classification System
Dewey Decimal Classification System
Superintendent of Documents Classification System

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The most frequently use classification systems are :

Dewey Decimal Classification System (Dewey) - Used by most public and school libraries.
Dewey call numbers begin with a three digit number.
In the online catalog, typical Dewey call numbers look like:
- 813 AL355L 1987
On book spines, or labels on other materials, Dewey call numbers are arranged vertically and would typically look like:
- 813
  AL355L
  1987

Library of Congress Classification System (LC) - Used by most academic libraries and in other larger libraries.
LC call numbers begin with letters.
In the online catalog, typical LC call numbers look like:
- PS 1017 .L5 1983
On book spines, or labels on other materials, LC call numbers are arranged vertically and would typically look like:
- PS
  1017
  .L5
  1983

Superintendent of Documents (SuDocs) - Used by libraries with extensive collections of materials published by the United States Government
SuDocs call numbers begin with letters and always include a colon.
SuDocs call numbers typically look like:
- HE 20.3002:R 24/5

Libraries may use one or all of these systems, based on the collections they own.
LSU Libraries use all of the above systems, as well as some other classification systems which are specially suited to certain special collections.

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