Learn More About Call Numbers

Call Number Example: LC 1099.3 .N54 2004 Read the first line in alphabetical order. L, LA, LB, LC, etc. This part of the call number establishes the general subject area. All L books are on education.
The second number is in straight numerical order: 1098, 1099, 1099.3, 1099.38, 1099.4. LC 1099.3 indicates: Multicultural education--United States--Case studies.
The third line combines letters and numbers. Read the letters in alphabetical order. Read the numbers in decimal order: .N53, .N538, .N54, .N542. In this case, .N54 stands for the author's last name, Nieto.
This is the year the book was published. Different editions of the same book are arranged chronologically.

You should now be ready for this fun exercise.

Adapted with permission from "Understanding Call Numbers", American University Library, Gwendolyn Reece, creator.
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