12. Using call numbers

Most items in the collection are arranged by subject. Each item is assigned a unique call number that indicates not only where the item is located but provides other valuable information about the item as well. Items about the same subject have similar call numbers. Therefore, they are grouped together on the shelf. This makes it easier for users to browse items on a particular topic.

Some call numbers are preceded by a location prefix. A location prefix means that the item belongs to a specific collection, is shelved in a special place, and may have circulation restrictions. For example, in the call number, Ref AG243 .G87 1992 , the Ref prefix indicates that the item is shelved in the Reference Collection. Items in the Reference Collection do not circulate.

Library of Congress (LC) Call Numbers

LC call numbers always begin with a letter of the alphabet that identifies the main class or subject of the item. LC main classes and their corresponding letters in the alphabet are listed below:

• A: General Works
• B: Philosophy, Psychology, & Religion
• C: Auxiliary Sciences of History
• D: History - General & Old World
• E: History - American & North American
• F: History - U.S. & South American
• G: Geography, Anthropology, & Recreation
• H: Social Sciences
• J: Political Science
• K: Law
• L: Education
• M: Music
• N: Fine Arts
• P: Language & Literature
• Q: Sciences
• R: Medicine
• S: Agriculture
• T: Technology
• U: Military Science
• V: Naval Science
• Z: History of Books, Library Science, & Bibliography

See the Library of Congress for a complete list of main classes and their subclasses.

Dewey Decimal (DD) Call Numbers

In McDonald Library, DD call numbers are used for a small collection that is shelved on the second floor following the bound journal collection.

DD call numbers begin with a whole number that identifies the main class or subject of the item. The ten DD main classes and their corresponding three-digit numbers are listed below:

• 000  Generalia
• 100  Philosophy
• 200  Religion
• 300  Social Sciences
• 400  Language
• 500  Science
• 600  Technology
• 700  Arts
• 800  Literature
• 900  History

For a complete list of DD main classes and their subclasses, click here .