Structure and Format of Call Numbers LCCS Training Sessions OSU July 2007

2 Definitions Call number – an alphanumeric designation that uniquely identifies a bibliographic item. The call number is printed on a label affixed to a bibliographic item so that the item can be shelved and found.

3 Class Numbers and Book Numbers Consists of class number (also called classification number) and a book number (also called a Cutter number) Class number  subject of the work Book number organizes works within a class May also include other information (notably a date)

4 System Structure 21 classes using letters AGeneral works BPhilosophy. Religion CHistory: Aux. sciences D World history and history of Europe, Asia, Africa, etc. E-F History of the Americas GGeography. Anthropology. Recreation HSocial sciences JPolitical science KLaw LEducation MMusic NFine Arts PLanguage and literature QScience RMedicine SAgriculture TTechnology UMilitary science VNaval science ZBibliography. Library science. Info resources

5 System Structure (cont.) Subclasses usually designated by a second letter (exceptionally by a third in D and K) Q Science (general) QAMathematics QB Astronomy QCPhysics

6 Notational structure Alphabetic subclasses are further divided by sequential cardinal numbers from 1 to 9999 Example: QC 1-75Physics in general QC Weights and measures QC Descriptive and experimental mechanics

7 Notational Structure (cont.) Note that classes use whole numbers and are arranged in numerical order, e.g., QH1Natural history - Periodicals QH44Works about Linnaeus QH135Natural history – Biogeography – Europe – General works QH705Economic biology

8 Notational structure (cont.) Decimal numbers are sometimes used when topics are added Example: QC 814Early works through 1800 General works, treatises, & textbooks QC QC

9 Cutter Numbers in Classification In LCCS, Cutter numbers are sometimes used to subdivide classes Most common: Geographic Cutters

10 Cutter Numbers in Classification (cont.) Example: Geomagnetism QC 811-QC 849 Observatories QC 818.A2 General works QC 818.A5-ZBy region or country, A-Z A work on geomagnetism observatories in Canada would be classed in QC818.C2

11 Cutter Numbers in Classification (cont.) This results in two Cutter numbers: 1. Subclass division 2. Cutter for main entry Example: The geomagnetism observatories of Canada / by I.M. Lodestone. QC818.C2 L

12 Cutter Numbers in Classification (cont.) Except in Class G, no more than two Cutter numbers are allowed In some cases, two Cutter numbers are used in the classification schedules.  The 1 st Cutter is for a topical subclass  The 2 nd Cutter is for a geographic country or locality or name of a corporate body, etc.  A digit is added to the second Cutter for the main entry

13 Cutter Numbers in Classification (cont.) Example: Propaganda and censorship during Canada’s great war / by Jeff Keshen, D639class number for World War I.P7subclass for propaganda C24sub-subclass for Canada; added digit for Keshen 1996year of publication

14 System Structure 7 categories provide structure within each schedule as well as within subcategories Physical format Philosophy Study and teaching General works Laws and regulations Juvenile works Topical subdivisions