Why Do I Need a Call Number?

The call number is the book’s address in a library. Follow these steps to find a book on the shelf:

  1. In the catalog, find the location of the book (most common location is Circulating Books).
  2. Use the library map to find the location.
  3. When you get to the correct library location, check posted signs for call number ranges.

Call numbers are arranged in alpha-numeric order and are based on the book's subject, author's last name, and publication date. Try it out! Place the call numbers on the books below in the correct order, left to right.

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