Call Numbers

What is a Call Number?

A call number is like a street address. It tells you where an item is located in a library. Each title owned by a library has its own unique call number.

MCC Libraries uses Library of Congress Classification for call numbers. This system arranges materials by subject. Call numbers start with a letter or letters that represent the broad subject area under which the book falls. For example,
L = Education, LB = Theory and Practice of Education.

Call numbers appear:

Note that call numbers can be read either vertically or horizontally.

Reading Call Numbers

Note how the books represented below are shelved in correct call number order:

Locating Items in the Library

When you pull up a title that you like in the MCC Libraries Online Catalog, click on "availability" to determine if it is a book, a periodical or audiovisual material. These items will be shelved in separate locations.

Books with call numbers beginning with letters A-P will be found on the third floor of the LeRoy V. Good Library (Brighton campus) while those beginning with letters Q-Z are housed on the fourth floor. A call number number starting with the the word City indicates that the title is located at the Damon City Campus Library. Material can be transferred between campus libraries; ask for help at the Checkout/Reserve Desk at either library.

Some call numbers include a prefix or are preceded by collection information, which indicates that an item assigned to it is shelved in a special location. Most encyclopedias, for example, have call numbers that contain the letters Ref
(i.e. REF AG 243 .G87 1192, CITY REF AG 243.G87 1192). REF means that the book is part of the reference collection.

Other common prefixes and collections include:

Graphics provided with permission from Honolulu Community College Library.

Revised by A. Wilson, 3/2008, http://www.monroecc.edu/go/library

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