A call number is a group of letters and/or numbers located on an item housed in a library. It is usually on a label and positioned on the bottom spine of a book. Most academic libraries, such as Lindenwood Library, will use the Library of Congress (LC) classification system.
The LC code makes it possible to locate and retrieve an item in Lindenwood library. No two items will have the same barcode, even if there are multiple copies.
Most call number systems are established according to the subject of an item. The Dewey Decimal system, Library of Congress, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), Black’s Dental Classification, or the National Library of Medicine (NLM) are all classification systems organized by subject.
Call numbers should be read from the left to the right and top to bottom. Every label will have at least two parts: The class number and the cutter number. Books located in Lindenwood Library will begin with letters.
LB – Read the first line in alphabetical order.
2369 – Read the second line as a whole number.
.G56 – Read the third line as a letter alphabetically, followed by a number in digital order.
2005 – The year the book was published, arranged chronologically.
Example: LB indicates this is a book about education.
The call number is similar to an address, telling you where an item is located in Lindenwood Library.
The Lindenwood Library's books collection is located on the main floor of the LARC, while the DVD and Game collections are located on the third floor in the Media and Gaming Lab.
View the library of congress classification table if you have further questions.