What are call numbers for?

Each book in the library has a unique call number. A call number is like an address: it tells us where the book is located in the library.  Call numbers appear  

Note that the same call number can be written from
top-to-bottom, or left-to-right. 

The Eli M. Oboler Library, like many academic libraries in the U.S., uses the Library of Congress Classification System for call numbers. This system uses a combination of letters and numbers to arrange materials by subjects.

Reading Call Numbers

Putting Call Numbers in Shelf Order

To understand how call numbers are put in order in Library of Congress Classification System, again look at each section of the call number.

Why is this important to know?
Because books are classified by subject, you can often find several helpful books on the same shelf, or nearby. For example, within the same call number LB2395, there are other guides for college study.

Since the Library of Congress Classification System arranges materials by subjects, knowing the letter(s) for your subject area gives you a place to start browsing the shelves.