loc call numbers
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LocatingGILReading your Results
GIL
Most of the fields from the results list are self-explanatory, but you might not know how to use the call number.
Think of a Call Number like an address for locating the book in the library. Some locations have longer addresses and may include apartment numbers too, right? Call Numbers work in a very similar way.
Call Numbers are arranged according to subject and according to Library of Congress classification.
GGC Library Building1000 University LaneLawrenceville, GA 30043
LocatingGIL
Reading Your ResultsGILLibrary of Congress System
The GGC Library uses the Library of Congress classification system
Library of Congress call numbers are a combination of letters, followed by numbers. The publication date is often the last element of the call number.
Locating
More About Call NumbersPutting Call Numbers in Shelf OrderTo 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 probably 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.
LocatingSince 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. This chart gives the main classifications.
Locating
Putting it all together
If the record looks like this:
And the Library of Congress Classification Schedule tells us this:
E - History of the Americas151-904 United States456-655 Civil War Period491-586 Armies, Troops.
You read the call number like this:
E 540 = A book about Black troops in the Civil War .N3
A84 = Usually the first initial of the author’s name, (in this case Ash)
2008 = The year the book was published