LSU Libraries
Understanding Call Numbers

How to Read the Call Numbers - cont.

Let's put the following Library of Congress call numbers in order:
PS
2552
.O874 A6
2001		 PK
2198
.G4 A233
1999		 M
1613.3
.B94 L6
1990Z		 PN
1994
.M78
1996		 PS
3568
.A486 W56
2001		 PS
3
.A47
1967

The first step is the easiest. Putting he first letters in correct order you get this:
M
1613.3
.B94 L6
1990Z		 PK
2198
.G4 A233
1999		 PN
1994
.M78
1996		 PS
2552
.O874 A6
2001		 PS
3568
.A486 W56
2001		 PS
3
.A47
1967

The next step is a little more tricky. The first set of numbers you come to are treated as a WHOLE number, and shelved in order from smallest to largest. So... 3 is before 2552 which is before 3568, which means PS 3 is before PS 2552 which is before PS 3568.
M
1613.3
.B94 L6
1990Z		 PK
2198
.G4 A233
1999		 PN
1994
.M78
1996		 PS
3
.A47
1967		 PS
2552
.O874 A6
2001		 PS
3568
.A486 W56
2001


          



Comments | LSU Libraries | Louisiana State University | Library Instruction
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Tel (225) 578-5652 | Fax (225) 578-9432
Copyright © 1998-2008 LSU Libraries
URL: http://www.lib.lsu.edu/instruction/callnumbers/callnum10.html
Last Updated: Wednesday, 16-Jan-2008 13:31:19 CST
 		LSU Logo