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Q. How do I read a call number?

Answered By: Anne Sticksel

Last Updated: Mar 16, 2020 Views: 62

Northwestern Libraries uses three distinct call number systems to shelve books in order (Dewey Decimal, Library of Congress, and SuDoc). A call number is like an address for a book, which can be matched to the book location guide to find out where it is located in the Libraries.

You can use the general call number to browse a section of books under a specific topic (for example, 300s in Dewey Decimal are "Social Sciences" and "P" in Library of Congress is the general Languages & Literature category) which get more specific as the number goes on.

If you find an item in the Library's NuSearch system, you can click on the call number to view a map with its location in the Libraries.

Review the Call Number Guide linked here for details on how to read call numbers in each system.

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