When you search for a book using the library website, it looks like this:
It lets you know that the book is on the second floor and its call number is SK297 .B57 2016 which you need to find the book on the shelf. On the book itself, call numbers look like this:
At the end of each shelf is a label to tell you what call numbers are shelved there:
How to Read the Call Number:
Read the call number from top to bottom.
Start with the letter(s) at the top. These are in alphabetical order:
- A, B, BF, C ... L, LA, LB, LC
The letter(s) are followed by a number. Sometimes these contain a decimal:
- 1, 2, 3, 45, 100, 100.12, 100.13, 101, 1000, 2430...
Next will be a decimal point followed by a letter and a number. These are in alphabetical order:
- A, B, C, D...
Read the number as a decimal:
- .B833 = .833 is before .B84 = .84
Some call numbers end with the publication date. Read in chronological order:
- 1985, 1991, 1992...
If your book is part of a set, its call number will be followed by the volume number.