Classification System

The Rochester University Library uses the Library of Congress classification system (LC).

This system of classification is used by most college and university libraries. The LC system arranges materials into subject areas and allows books or media on the same subject to be placed together on the shelves. Each item is assigned a call number, which consists of a series of letters and numbers:

EXAMPLE:

GV broad subject–RECREATION

995 further identifies the subject

.B37 B is the first letter of the author’s last name, 37 further identifies the Author

Once you have identified a call number, you can locate materials in separate areas of the Library. Generally, these areas are circulation, reference (REF or R) and media (VCR, VCT, DVD, EQ). NOTE: Oversize books are shelved in a separate area. Ask for assistance when looking for these books.

Reference and audiovisual materials let you know that they are shelved separately from circulating books because they have REF or other collection code above the call number. When you find the correct area, each shelf has designated signs with letters/numbers on the end panels. Locate the first letter of the call number (B for example) on the end panel. Then look for the second letter, if there is one. A single letter B would come before BC. BJ would come before BT, etc.

Follow these two rules when you encounter decimals in a call number:

1. Numbers that follow a decimal are read as whole numbers.

2. Numbers that follow a decimal are read as decimals.

EXAMPLE:

                                    B       BC     BJ       BT       BT        MT

                                    123   11      222      160.4   16.48    881.7

                                    .R4   .K2    .T31     .T62     .Z21     .A43