How to Read Call Numbers

1. 1
Search the online catalog to locate information
about your topic
 To locate an item on the shelf, write down
the entire call number e.g., E835 .T44 2012
 Always check the item status e.g., “On
Shelf, Checked Out, Closed Stacks or
Library Use Only”
 Write down the collection name:
Examples: General Collection,
Reference, African- American, DVD,
Delaware, Education or Juvenile

2. 2
Library of Congress classification system:
 Gives each item in the collection a unique location on the shelf
 Shelves items on related subjects together
About Browsing:
Because the system is designed to bring items on similar subjects together, you can browse in
a specific call number area to find information on a subject.
Note: Browsing is a popular information-finding strategy, but it has drawbacks that affect the
quality and quantity of information found. Browsing should be used as a supplement to finding
books by using the Library of Congress subject headings in the catalog.
General Collections
A-H Third Floor
J–P Fourth Floor
Q–Z Fifth Floor

3. 3
General Collections
A-H Third Floor
J–P Fourth Floor
Q–Z Fifth Floor
JK
2081
.L562
2010
JK
2184
.M56
2011
JK
2281
.L56
2011
JK
2281.5
.L516
2012
2. Write down the location,
collection, and call
number
Ex: Jason Library
General
JK2281 .L56 2011
1. Search the Online catalog to locate library materials
3. Search the shelves to locate the book

4. 4
General Collections
A-H Third Floor
J–P Fourth Floor
Q–Z Fifth Floor
KF
208
.L52
2010
KF
284
.M56
2011
KF
221
.L26
2009
KF
228
.R59
H85
2010
2. Write down the location,
collection, and call
number
Ex: Jason Library
General
KF228 .R59 H85 2010
3. Search the shelves to locate the book
1. Search the Online catalog to locate library materials

5. 5
General Collections
A-H Third Floor
J– P Fourth Floor
Q–Z Fifth Floor
2. Write down the location,
collection, and call number
Ex: Jason Library
Reference
E185 .G27 2011
REF
E
185
.A327
2000
REF
E
185
.G27
2011
REF
E
185.6
.L56
2011
3. Search the shelves to locate the book
1. Search the Online catalog to locate library materials

6. 6
General Collections
A-H Third Floor
J–P Fourth Floor
Q–Z Fifth Floor
2. Write down the collection,
location and call number
Ex: Education Library
African American
JUV ML3930 .W65 H4
EDU
BLACK
JUV
ML
3930
.W65
H4
EDU
BLACK
JUV
ML
3935
.R65
2011
EDU
BLACK
JUV
ML
3935
.R651
H4
1. Search the Online catalog to locate library materials
3. Search the shelves to locate the book

7. Self Check Kiosk
 Visit us in the library, 1st floor for
general reference, specialized or
in-depth research assistance
 Reference librarians are also
available to assist you via
askref@desu.edu and Virtual Chat
http://www.desu.edu/library
 Contact the circulation desk for
online book renewals, login
problems and overdue fines
302-857-6191