Understanding Call Numbers
Have you ever wondered how library books are assigned their places on the
shelves? Did you know that the call number -- the number placed on the
spine of the book -- is a code which provides valuable information about
the book?
This page will provide an introduction to understanding and using library
call numbers.
Note: this page relies upon a series of graphics. If
your Web browser does not support graphics or tables, please use our text-only
version of "Understanding Call Numbers".
If you'd like a printed copy of this information, ask your librarian for
Pathfinder 6.
What are call numbers for?
Each book in the library has a unique call number. A call number is like
an address: it tells us where the book is located in the library.
Call numbers appear
Note that the same call number can be written from top-to-bottom, or
left-to-right.
Honolulu Community College Library, like many academic libraries in
the U.S., uses Library of Congress Classification for call numbers.
This system uses a combination of letters and numbers to arrange materials
by subjects.
Reading Call Numbers
Putting Call Numbers in Shelf Order
To understand how call numbers are put in order in Library of Congress
Classification, again look at each section of the call number.
What does the call number mean?
Remember that Library of Congress Classification arranges materials by
subjects. The first sections of the call number represent the subject of
the book. The letter-and-decimal section of the call number often represents
the author's last name. And, as you recall, the last section of a call
number is often the date of publication.
example:
Why is this important to know?
Because books are classified by subject, you can often find several helpful
books on the same shelf, or nearby. For example, within the same call number
LB2395, there are other guides for college study.
Since Library of Congress Classification arranges materials by subjects,
knowing the letter(s) for your subject area gives you a place to start
browsing the shelves. Which letters represent your subject? View
the Library of Congress Classification Table.
Location Prefixes -- "LOCN"
When a call number looks like the examples above, (e.g. LB2395 .C65 1991),
the book is shelved on the second floor of HCC Library. Some call numbers,
however, are preceded by a location prefix.
-
example:
-
Ref AG243 .G87 1992
The Ref prefix indicates that this book is shelved in the Reference
Collection.
Location prefixes mean that book is shelved in a special place, and may
have loan restrictions. HCC Library uses the following location prefixes:
| Prefix |
Collection |
HCC Library Location |
Loan Period |
| [Blank] |
Circulating Collection |
2nd floor |
28-day loan |
| Oversz |
Oversize -- a big book! |
2nd floor, Diamond Head Wall |
28-day loan |
| Ref |
Reference Collection |
1st floor |
Library-use only |
| HawPac |
Hawaii/Pacific Collection |
2nd floor, Diamond Head Wall |
14-day loan |
| HawPac Ref |
Hawaii/Pacific Reference |
1st floor, Diamond Head Side |
Library-use only |
| Tech Ref |
Automobile Technical Collection |
1st floor, Ewa side |
Library-use only |
| Reserv |
Reserve Book set aside for a class |
1st floor, Circulation Counter |
Set by instructor |
| Tele |
Telecourse videotape |
1st floor, Circulation Counter |
Overnight |
Our web pages include more information about these Collections.
For more information about call numbers and finding library materials,
ask your librarian.
Return to the HCC Library Home Page
Last updated 10/18/99
Maintained by Chris Schafer, cschafer@hcc.hawaii.edu