Robert J. Kibbee Library

 

Using Call Numbers to Locate Books

          What is a call number?

Each book in the library has a unique call number that serves as the book’s address in the library. 
The Robert J. Kibbee Library uses call numbers developed by the Library of Congress.

          What does a call number look like?

A call number is a combination of letters and numbers that represents the subject, author, and year of publication for a book. 
Call numbers appear in the online catalog and on the spine of a book.

Example (Book by one author):

            Title:                Major in Success

            Author:             Combs, Patrick

            Call number:  LB 2343.32 .C65 2000

                                    LB = Theory and Practice of Education

                                    2343.32 = College Student Orientation

                                    .C65 = Code for author’s last name

                                    2000 = Year of publication

          How do I read a call number?

LB		Read letters in alphabetical order first: A, B, BF,..L,LA,LB,…M,ML,.Q,QA,…Z
2343.32		Read as a whole number: 1,2,3,45,101,…1000, 2343.32, 3000…
.C65		Read the letter alphabetically first and then the number as a decimal, e.g. .C65 = .65
2000		Read in chronological order: 1997, 1998, 2000,….2003, 2004

How do I find a book using a call number?

The first letter of a call number determines where the book is shelved. 
Use the following guide to match call numbers with the correct floor:

If the first letter is:                                            Go to the following floor:

A-B-C-D-E-F-G                                               5^TH FLOOR

H-J-L-M-N                                                        6^TH FLOOR

P                                                                      7^TH FLOOR

Q-R-S-T-U-V-Z                                               8^TH FLOOR

Note:  All non-circulating books are located on the 2^nd floor.

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