Call Numbers and Location of Library Materials
Libraries use call numbers to gather sources on a particular subject together on the shelf. Stout library uses the Library of Congress Classification System to organize materials.
Example topic: microcomputers in education
Materials are found in section LB. Browse the shelf for related materials in education (Call number L).
Library of Congress call numbers use an alphanumeric system. Here is how they work:
LB
40
.35
.P43
1988
- Alphabetical first
- A, B, C, D.............L
- Then, L, LA............LB
- Numerical next,
- Continue Using the alphabet until you find:
| LB | LB | LB | LB | LB | ... | LB |
| 1 | 2 | 10 | 40 | 40.1 | ... | 40.35 |
LB
40
.35
.P43
1988
Locations of Library Materials
The catalog record indicates where items are located in the library and also provides the call number. Locations for materials are:
| ARC (Area Research Center) | 3rd Floor South |
| Browsing Area | 4th Floor South |
| Circulation Desk | 1st Floor |
| EMC (Educational Materials Center) | 1st Floor South |
| Main Stacks | 3rd, 4th, and 5th Floors |
| Periodicals | 2nd Floor North |
| Ref (Reference Collection) | 1st Floor South |
| Reserves | 1st Floor South |
| Instructional Resources Service | 2nd Floor Wing |
Main stack call numbers begin with A1 on fifth floor of the Library, continue onto fourth floor and finish up with Z9999 on third floor. Signs at the elevators/stairwells indicate the call number ranges for each floor.
| Letter | Floor Location |
|---|---|
| A-D | 5th Floor North |
| E-H | 5th Floor South |
| J-L | 4th Floor North |
| M-PR | 4th Floor South |
| PS-S | 3rd Floor North |
| T-Z | 3rd Floor South |
For more information about location at the library, navigate to the Virtual Library Tour.
Last Updated: 06/13/2008 and Last Revised: 4/28/2008
Contact Denise Madland for more information or help on this topic.