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Shelf Maintenance Procedures: Call Numbers

Shelf maintenance procedures for the Gregg-Graniteville Library

What are Call Numbers?

Call numbers are like addresses for books in the library. They tell you exactly where to find a book on the shelves. Each call number is unique to a book and helps organize the entire library so you can find what you're looking for easily.

At the Gregg-Graniteville Library, we use a system known as the Library of Congress, or LC System for short.

A call number is made up of a combination of letters and numbers. The LC System groups items from general to specific. 

Ordering by Call Number

When reading call numbers, read from top to bottom.

Line One:

The first part of a call number is a combination of one or two letters. Arrange the books alphabetically by these letters.

  • Example: PS comes before Q, so you would shelve PS books before Q books.

Line Two:

After the letters, the call number includes a number. You will shelve books in numerical order.

  • Keep in mind, the number is treated as a whole number rather than a decimal, so you'll need to read it carefully.
  • Example: PS 3568 comes before PS 3570, since 3568 is smaller than 3570.

Line Three:

The third line will be an alphanumeric code.

  • The numbers are always a decimal (whether or not the decimal is present on the label).
  • Think of the third line in a digit-by-digit manner.
  • Example: C194 is C-nine-one-four, not C-one hundred ninety-four.

Organize any additional lines alphabetically/numerically.

Library of Congress Call Numbers

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