Call Numbers

The Alice E. Chatlos Library uses the Dewey Decimal system of cataloging materials.  The Dewey system is best for libraries under 150,000 volumes.  The Library of Congress system is used in larger university libraries. 

The Call number refers to the numbers and letters on the spine label taped on books, or placed on whatever item is cataloged.  There are several parts. 

First, the top number is the actual Dewey Decimal classification number.  Under that number, is an author classification that combines letters and numbers.  For example:

242

S772s

The '242' classification denotes that this is a devotional resource.  The first 'S' on the second line stands for the first letter of the author's last name.  The three numbers after the 'S' are the letter equivalent to the name, Spurgeon.  The final 's' stands for the first real word of the title (excluding a, an or the). 

230

R995b

230 is the Dewey number for theology, and R995 is the author number for Ryrie.  The final 'b' stands for the first letter of the title, in this case, "Basic Theology." 

There may be other designations on the third or fourth line of the spine label, such as:

c2 = copy 2

v3 = volume 3

Rev ed = Revised edition

4^th ed = 4^th edition

Abr ed = Abridged edition

When consulting the computer catalog, it is best to write down the call numbers of materials you are looking for on the scrap pieces of paper provided at the search terminals.  Just remembering the Dewey number is often not sufficient, as there may be hundreds of books with the same Dewey classification. 

If you have difficulty or questions concerning finding resources, please ask the librarian on duty.  We would be glad to help.