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Sullivan Family Library uses the Library of Congress classification system. This system arranges materials by subject using a combination of letters and numbers. Read call numbers line by line, from left to right, and from top to bottom.
The first line of a call number begins with one or two letters. These letters are read alphabetically:
Q |
before |
QC |
before |
QH |
The second line is made of a number that may have one or more digits. This line is read numerically, as a whole number:
QB
|
before |
QB
|
before |
QB
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The third line is the trickiest part of the call number! The letter is shelved alphabetically, and the number following the letter is treated as if it were preceded by a decimal:
QB
|
before |
QB
|
before |
QB
|
Sometimes, a call number will have a fourth line, to further delineate a book from similar books. It is read the same way as the third line, the letter alphabetically and the number as a decimal, even though it is often not preceded by the decimal point.
QB
|
before |
QB
|
before |
QB
|
The final lines of the call number may include dates and other annotations. These annotations are read after the call number.
QB
|
before |
QB
|
before |
QB
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Adapted from the Stan Getz Library
