Call Numbers
Within the Barr Smith Library Main collection (and other collections), books and journals are arranged by their call numbers. Each book and journal has a different call number. A call number has two main parts. Always write down both parts.
For example, the call number 612 T712p.12 consists of:
612
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A (Dewey Decimal Classification) number for the subject - in this case 612 for the subject Human Physiology |
T712p
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A (Cutter) number for the author and first significant title word-Tortora principles of anatomy and physiology |
.12
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In this case, the .12 indicates the 12th edition |
Call numbers are arranged on the shelves firstly by the Dewey number (e.g.. 612).
Within that Dewey number, Cutter numbers are arranged alphabetically (e.g.. the letter T) then numerically (e.g. 712). Cutter numbers are decimal e.g. 712 files before 8 (as though it is .712 before .80).
Copy Numbers
When there is more than one copy of the same edition of a particular book, the copies are individually numbered. Often copy 1 of a particular book will not have a copy number included in the call number, but subsequent copies will be labelled c2, c3, c4 etc.
When books have two digit Dewey numbers, treat them as though they have a zero at the end of the classification number, to find their place in the sequence. For example:
03 is shelved before 030
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92 is shelved before 920
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15 shelved before 150
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Multimedia and Joint Library Store numbers
Items held in the Multimedia collection and the Joint Library Store may have microform numbers (e.g. MICROFICHE PER 86) and Joint Library Store numbers (e.g. XM31610) instead of call numbers on The Catalogue record.
Although call numbers group books on the same subject together on the library shelves, it's always better to find books on a particular subject by using the catalogue. You'll learn how to do this later in this tutorial.
You should now know
How to identify the call number of an individual book
How to find a book on the shelves
including how to find books with two digit Dewey numbers
Go to the next section of the tutorial Searching by Author or Editor
Back to the previous section of the tutorial called Book Locations
Back to the tutorial Table of Contents
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