LCC Practice 1

This section contains examples of call numbers. Please look carefully at these examples; some of them may require closer inspection than others.

The following example contains three call numbers that are are very similar except for one difference.

You’ll notice that the only difference in these call numbers is the date. Remember that “nothing comes before something.” That is why QC 981.8 .G56 G578 comes before QC 981.8 .G56 G578 2002, etc. It can be assumed in this case that the call number without a date is the first edition of the work and was likely published some time ago.

Is the next example in the correct order?

This example is in the correct order. If you thought that it might not be, chances are that is because of the Cutter numbers or the dates. Cutter numbers are often misread as whole numbers. It is also easy to get "tunnel vision" when reading call numbers by neglecting the alpha portion of the Cutter numbers, or by reading past the subject entirely. Here is the example again with the potentially confusing Cutter numbers in bold, red text.

Remember that Cutter numbers are always read as decimals. Which call number below is out of place?

Did you find the book that is out of place? Look carefully at the bold, red Cutter numbers below.

Because we read Cutter numbers as decimals, the first two books need to be switched (.59 is smaller than .60). This is the correct order:

Cutter numbers can be tricky....

It is very important to take your time when shelving and to look carefully at every aspect of a call number.