LibAnswers

CUE Library uses the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system, which combines letters and numbers.

Call numbers are read top to bottom, line by line.

Example: PR 2831 A25 R66 2011

1. PR (Subject)
   • The first letters of the call number refer to the main subject of the book.
   • PR is the classification for English Literature.
2. 2831 (Specific Subject)
   • The numbers after the first letters help to narrow down the subject further.
   • 2831 falls within the category of Prose (General).
3. A25 (Additional Details)
   • The first set of letters and numbers refers to additional details about the book.
   • This can be a specific edition, title, collection, etc.
4. R66 (Author/Title)
   • The second set of letters and numbers refer to the author's last name, organization, or title of the book.
   • This helps to keep books by the same author together.
5. 2011 (Year of Publication)
   • The final set of numbers is the year of publication.

Putting it All Together

When you go to the shelves, look for a book in this order:

1. First, alphabetically by the initial letters (e.g., PR).
2. Then, numerically by the first set of numbers (e.g., within the PR section books go 2831, 2832, 2833, etc.).
3. Then alphabetically and numerically (e.g., A25 comes before B33). Repeat this for the second set of letters and numbers, if applicable.
4. Finally, chronologically by the publication year (e.g., 2011).

Ask a library staff member if you need help finding a book.