What is a call number and how can I use it to find a book?
A call number is the combination of letters and numbers that indicates where an item can be found in the library. Most call numbers are located on the spine or front of a book. The most commonly used call number system at Auburn Libraries is the Library of Congress (LC) Classification System. Below is a quick explanation of how to read a Library of Congress call number. Remember, you can always ask for help in locating books at the reference desks of the main library (RBD) and the two branches (LADC and Vet Med).
Example Call Number in RBD Library:
1) Read the first two letters alphabetically as so: A, AA, AB, AC...H, HA, HB, HC, HD
2) Find the section of the library with the HD's on a library map:
3.) Once you find the section of the library where the HDs are located, you'll need to find the row of shelves that include HD 9397. Look at the side of the book shelves to find the range of books for any given shelf.
4) Now you're ready to find the book on the shelf! Once you've found where the HD9397's are located on the shelf, look at the next letter that appears, U. Then after finding HD 9397 U, you'll look for the next number (which is a decimal), .6. Continue reading the remaining letters and numbers in this way until you've located your book!