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A call number tells you where a book is located in the library. It's like a shelf address! It uses letters and numbers to group items by subject so that similar topics stay together on the shelves. When you look up a book in the catalog, you’ll see the call number and location where you need to find it in the building.  

Here’s how to use the call number to find your book:  

• Find the call number in the catalog record and note it exactly as written (letters, numbers, decimals, year, etc.) 

• On the shelves, start with the first letter of the call number. Move alphabetically (A...B...C...etc.) until you reach the right letter section.  

• Within that letter section, use the whole number that follows (45, 103, 802, etc.) and move in numerical order. Small numbers go before bigger ones.  

• Read any decimal part and letter-number combinations next (e.g., .A23, .B7); these are also in alphabetical and then numerical order. 

• Use the final part (often the year published) to distinguish between different editions and copies of the same title.  

• Match the entire call number on the book’s spine label to the one you wrote down from the catalog to make sure you have the right book.  

If you need help finding a book using a call number, ask someone at the circulation desk. We're happy to help!