For a print book, the Start My Research results will list a call number. A call number is a string of letters and numbers that represents what the book is about and tells you where to find it on the shelves (example: E185.86.H7417 2004). Below you will learn how to read a call number.
The “Find It” feature in Start My Research shows you a map where the book should be located in Auraria Library. You can also ask for help locating the book at the Ask Us Desk.
Call numbers are based on the Library of Congress (LC) classification system. This system puts items into subject categories. Generally speaking books on similar topics are grouped together. However some classifications may surprise you. Sometimes titles by the same author are in vastly different subject categories. It is a good idea to look up a book rather than browse to find it as sections are often very large.
Call numbers can be written horizontally or vertically on a book.
A call number typically has four parts: Letters, Numbers Letters & Numbers, and Year of Publication.
Every call number starts with a letter or two letters. These letters tell you the subject category the book has been assigned to. It also tells you what shelf to go look for in the library. Learn more about the Library of Congress Classification Outline here:
In our example, E185.86.H7417 2004, E is the first part. The E section is for the history of the Americas.
The next part of a call number is numbers. Read the numbers after the letters and before the decimal as a whole number. After you find the shelf labeled with the letter (Part 1) you are looking at the numbers. Books are arranged in number order.
In our example, E185.86.H7417 2004, 185.86 is the second part.
The third part is organized alphabetically and then numerically. In our example, E185.86.H7417 2004, .H7417 is the third part.
The last part is the publication date and is in chronological order on the shelf. In our example, E185.86.H7417 2004, 2004 is the past part.