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Reading Call Numbers

The University Libraries use Library of Congress (LC) Call Numbers to arrange the books on the shelves. LC call numbers contain both letters and numbers. They are first filed alphabetically (by letter) and then numerically (by number). Remember to always write down the entire call number when you find a book in the Library Catalog so you can find it in the bookstacks. 

The call numbers below are in the correct order so you can see how the LC call numbers work. Be sure to pay attention to the decimal when reading and looking for call numbers. 

 

BF

431

.D5

BR

1725

.S54

BR

1780

.P37

DL

1175.46

.S36

1996

DP

3

.C69