1. Call Numbers in the Library
ElementaryLibrarian.com

2. Our Learning Goals
I know what the information on a book call number means.
I can find books in the media center using the information on a call number.
I can put books in correct call number order.

3. What are Call Numbers?
A Call Number is like the book’s address in the library – it tells you where it lives!
Think of the library as a school bus and the books as students who need to be picked up. If the bus driver doesn’t have any addresses, how will he or she find the students?
You can think of the library in the same way. What would happen if we put the books just anywhere on the shelves?

4. The Sections of our Library
Easy
These are picture books for everyone to check out.
Call numbers begin with E, followed by the 1st 3 letters of the author’s last name.
Examples: E
AND E
MAT E
SMI

5. The Sections of our Library
Fiction
These are chapter books for grades 3-8.
Call numbers begin with F (or FIC in some libraries) followed by the 1st 3 letters of the author’s last name.
Examples: F
Kin F
Row F
Wal

6. The Sections of our Library
Nonfiction
These books are organized by the Dewey Decimal System.
Call numbers range from 000 to 999, followed by the 1st three letters of the author’s last name.
The numbers represent the books subject.
Examples:
001.9
And
398.2
McC
627.1
Bis

7. Nonfiction Books (cont)
The numbers of the Dewey Decimal System represent subjects. Here are a few examples:
000s: general information (reference books, world records, etc.)
200s: Religion (the Bible, The Quran, etc.)
500s: Natural Sciences and Math (books about animals, plants, planets, etc.)
700s: Arts and Recreation (drawing, arts and crafts, sports, etc.)

8. Why is it Important to Keep Library Books in Order?

9. Some Questions to Discuss:
Why is it so important to use shelf markers?
Is it OK to put books on just any shelf in the library?
How can call numbers help me find books in the library?
Why can’t I find books I’m looking for sometimes?
How can I help keep the library in order?

10. Let’s Practice shelving some Library books!