LSU Libraries
Understanding Call Numbers

Remember, the first leter(s) and the first set of numbers represent the subject of the item. The previous example deals with correctly ordering the subject portions of the call number, and if you can get to that area of the shelves, you will at least be in the right area to find materials in your subject area.

If you are looking for a specific item it is important to understand the correct order for all parts of the call number. After the first set of letter(s) and the first set of numbers, the call number is read differently. Rather than whole numbers, the rest of the call number is treated as a decimal, and each digit is read individually.

If you had the following call numbers:
C
3
.R3		 C
3
.R279		 C
3
.R2		 C
3
.R21		 C
3
.R1		 C
3
.R275		 C
3
.R38

It might help to think of them as:
C 3 .R3
C 3 .R279
C 3 .R2
C 3 .R21
C 3 .R1
C 3 .R275
C 3 .R38
 Or even:
C 3 .R300
C 3 .R279
C 3 .R200
C 3 .R210
C 3 .R100
C 3 .R275
C 3 .R380


          



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Last Updated: Wednesday, 06-Aug-2008 09:22:58 CDT
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