The
FIRST line, TK, represents the subject
classification. The subject classification can be represented
by one or two letters. TK, for example,
represents electrical engineering.
The
SECOND line, 7881.6, is part of the classification
number. In combination with the classification letter(s),
the number defines the subject matter of the book more finely.
In this example, TK7881.6 represents magnetic
recording, a subdivision of electrical engineering (TK).
The
THIRD line, M29, is called the "Cutter
Number." This letter-number combination usually indicates
the author, but may also represent some other information
about a work such as a further subject subdivision or a
geographic area.
The
Cutter Number is always present in a call number and may
sometimes be a "double Cutter" (eg, TK
7881.6 M29 D45 1992 has a double Cutter).
The
"number" in the Cutter number is ALWAYS interpreted
as a decimal number for shelf location
purposes.
In the
example below, therefore, consider the Cutter number as
".29".
This
means, for instance, that the call number
TK
7881.6
M29
1992 |
will
be shelved before |
TK
7881.6
M4
1992 |
The
YEAR of publication (1992 in the examples above) may
be present. Not all call numbers will include a year of
publication but most current books will. These are file
in chronological order and often distinguish between varying
editions of a text.
In using
a call number to locate a book on the shelf, consider each
component of the call number in turn before moving on to
the next segment. So, for example, the following call numbers
are in the order they should appear on the shelves:
QA
76.85
D29
v.2 |
QA
76.85
D4
v.1 |
T
1
D15
1990
|
TA
1
D15 |
TK
7881.15
D2
1988 |
TK
7881.15
D2
1993 |
Because
books are classified by subject, You often can find other
books on the subject on the same shelf or nearby. And,
because books are arranged by author within the classification,
you can find other works on the same topic by the same author.
If you
have additional questions related to finding books in the
stacks, inquire at a circulation desk.
