How to Read Call Numbers

Syracuse University Library, like most academic libraries, uses Library of Congress Classification to organize its materials. Library of Congress Classification uses a mixture of letters and numbers to identify an individual book, journal, etc.

How to read a call number

Call numbers are read line-by-line:

• The first line consists of one to three letters, which are read alphabetically (P comes before PN, which comes before PT)
• The second line consists of a number, which is read as a whole number (45 comes before 400, which comes before 1000)
• The third line consists of a letter followed by numbers, which is read alphabetically, then decimally (B37 before B 373, which is before C44)
• Additional lines may contain year, volume, editions, etc.

For more information on Library of Congress call numbers, check out the following links:

How Call Numbers Work

University Libraries, University of Cincinnati

Understanding Call Numbers

Central Library, Boston Public Library

For a guide to call number locations at Syracuse University Library, see:

“Location of Library Materials” in the Syracuse University Library (PDF)