How do you interpret an LC (Library of Congress) call number?
Answer
Library of Congress call numbers are alphanumeric notations (a combination of letters and numbers) that contain main classes, subclasses, further subdivisions, and Cutter numbers. Main classes are represented by a single capital letter, subclasses are formulated by two capital letters, subdivisions are recorded using arabic numbers from 1 to 9999, and Cutter numbers are alphanumeric strings used to separate individual works on the same subject.
Example:
Title: Perspectives in nutrition (4th Ed.) by Gordon M. Wardlaw.
| Call Number | Meaning |
|---|---|
| QP | Nutrition (main class [Q] and subclass [QP]) |
| 141 | General works, treatises, and textbooks (subdivision) |
| .W38 | Cutter number formulated by author's last name |
| 1999 | Publication or copyright date of work |