Library of Congress Call Numbers
Understanding Call Numbers
This diagram explains the basic structure of the Library of Congress (LOC) call number and how to read them.
The first line refers to a broad subject. The second line refers to a subheading within that subject, and the final line(s) refers to information specific to the particular book.
Memorizing what the individual numbers mean isn't necessary. You just need to know how to read the codes. Once you have a grasp on it, you can find any book in the library.
To practice, label the following call number examples from 1-5. 1 being the first the appear on the shelf and 5 being the last.
EXAMPLE
| BF 1812 .U6 B59 |
BF 1815 .N8 A213 2000 |
BF 1999 .C6975 1991 |
BF 1775 .P67 1984 |
BF 1999 .M59 |
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
1.
| PN 6727 .A25 M5 2004 |
PN 6727 .A99 J65 2008 |
PN 6727 .A94 W37 2006 |
PN 6727 .B3757 Z46 2006 |
PN 6726 .T75 2010 |
2.
| GV 1101 .F37 |
GV 1132 .D4 G73 |
GV 1132 .A4 E43 2006 |
GV 1125 .G67 1986 |
GV 1132 .A4 R13 2010 |