What is a call number?
Answer
All print or paper copies of books in the library are assigned a call number, usually found on the book spine. The call number represents what the book is about and acts like the book's address on the library's shelves.
It is based on the Dewey Decimal system.
The system divides all knowledge into ten broad categories, each represented by a three digit number ranging from 000-999, each main class is further divided into ten divisions, and each division into ten sections.
- The first digit in each three-digit number represents the main class. For example, 600 represents technology.
- The second digit in each three-digit number indicates the division. For example, 600 is used for general works on technology, 610 for medicine and health, 620 for engineering, 630 for agriculture.
- The third digit in each three digit number indicates the section. Thus, 610 is used for general works on medicine and health, 611 for human anatomy, 612 for human physiology, 613 for personal health and safety.
When you search for a book on the catalogue, it gives you the call number.
- It is on the spine of the book, followed by the first 3 letters of the author's surname.
- Books with the same call number are about the same subject
- Books with different titles or different editions can have the same call number so make sure you get the book you want.
Books are organised on the shelves in call number order.
· Floor 1 000s to 400s
· Floor 2 500s to 900s
· Floor 3 340s Law