8 Locating Print Books: How to Use a Call Number
A call number is like an address for a book on the shelf—it tells you where to find it in the library. Most academic libraries use the Library of Congress Classification System, which organizes books by subject.
Here’s how to understand a call number, step by step:
Example Call Number:
HQ 792 .U5 S45 2022
-
HQ – This is the subject area. “HQ” means the book is about women or family studies.
-
792 – This number narrows down the topic (e.g., adolescence).
-
.U5 – This is a Cutter number, usually based on the author or title, and it helps alphabetize books within the subject.
-
S45 – Another Cutter number for further precision.
-
2022 – This is the year of publication, helping you find the most recent works.
Books are arranged top to bottom, then left to right, like this:
When you look a book up in the catalogue the call number will appear as one line –
HQ 792.U5 S45 2022
HQ 792.U5 S45 2022
When you are in the stacks on the second floor of CBU Library look for the QR codes posted at the end of each aisle to find out what subjects are there.- Use the camera app on your phone to scan the QR code.
- Click on the link that appears on the screen.
- A list of subjects covered in this section will appear.
You can browse the aisle to find books that interest you.
Media Attributions
- Call number
- LC End of Stacks