How do I read a call number?

Answer

Here at MCPHS, we use Library of Congress call numbers to organize our print books. A call number is a combination of letters and numbers that acts like an address to finding things on the shelves. Read call numbers from left to right, and top to bottom.

This chart will help you decode them a bit more. If you still have questions please contact the Reference Desk!

The first set of letters is alphabetical.

H
45
.B62
1990

HA
126
.F99
K9
1987

HB
12
.I90
1975

HC
13
.C55

The following set of numbers is in numerical order.

B
45
.H432
1980

B
427
.K77
1967

B
1200
.P95
A66
1990

B
1231
.C33
I7
1981

The following letters (after the decimal point) are alphabetical.

KF
456
.A43
E45
1993

KF
456
.B99
1990

KF
456
.K99
1987

KF
456
.L70
1990

The following numbers are in decimal order.

       Note that .C263 comes between .C26 and .C27.

L
901
.C25
1977

L
901
.C26
1993

L
901
.C263
1988

L
901
.C27
1976

There may be another line of letters and numbers.

       These will be in alphabetical and decimal order

PS
3553
.A4
A15
1977

PS
3553
.A4
M29

PS
3553
.A4
M9
v.5

PS
3553
.A4
Z41
1980

A publication date may follow.

       In order by date or “nothing before something”

B1200
.P95
A65
1990

B1200
.P95
A65
2001

B1200
.P95
A87

B1200
.P95
A87
1966

A copy or volume number may follow.

B1200
.P95
A65
c.1

B1200
.P95
A65
c.2

B1200
.P95
A87
1966
v.1

B1200
.P95
A87
1966
v.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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  • Last Updated Jul 08, 2016
  • Views 49
  • Answered By Shanti Freundlich

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