Anatomy of a Call Number

Ready to learn how to decipher those call numbers so you can find what you need on the shelves? Great! First, let's look at a typical call number: 855.1 EC70i c.2.  There are four main parts to call numbers for material in the Bookstacks: the special collection, Dewey decimal number, Cutter number, and work mark.

• The Special Location label is used only if an item needs to be shelved in a place other than the main circulating stacks on the 2nd and 3rd floors
• The Dewey Decimal Number indicates the subject matter of the book,
• The Cutter Number identifies who wrote the book, and
• The Work Mark distiguishes multiple volumes or copies of the same title

In the next four sections, we'll look at each of these elements more closely. And along the way, we'll put your learning to the test with some interactive quizzes.

Introduction

Special Location