Call Numbers and Locations - Earl Gregg Swem Library

Call Numbers

Swem Library, along with most academic libraries, uses the Library of Congress classification system to organize books, journals, videos and other materials within the collections. Being able to read the call numbers is important as these numbers are the key to locating items on the shelves.

The call numbers are based on an alphanumeric system which arranges materials by subject. Each item in the collection is given its own unique call number. This number will appear on a label on the spine of a book, or be marked directly on the exterior of the item.

Reading the Call Numbers

The first line of the call number will be one or more letters. Read these in an alphabetical sequence.

H before HA before HB
The next line will be a row of numbers. The line is read as a whole number.

HD
28 before HD
101 before HD
1336
The next line has both a letter and numbers. Look first for the letters and then read the numbers.

HD
28
B22 before HD
101
C44 before HD
1336
M65
There will be areas where the numbers get longer and more complicated. Remember that the numbers should be read as if they were decimals. The following group is in call number order.

HD
30.17
K446 before HD
30.17
K52 before HD
30.17
K6 before HD
30.17
K623
There will be additonal numbers that follow - these may indicate the year of publication, a volume or issue number or a copy number when more than one copy is in the collection.

Locations of Call Numbers

Most of the books in the collection will be found in the stacks or shelves on various floors of the library. Check this map to see where the call letter groups are located.

There may be a prefix added to the call number or listed in the catalog which indicates different locations:

Ref:Reference Collections, first floor
Microforms or M/F: Ground Floor, cabinets or shelves
Internet: May be online, click on the "Electronic Access" link in the catalog
Off-Site: Use the "Find and Request" button at the top center of the catalog screen to arrange for delivery and pickup at Circulation.
Archives or Special Collections: Call 757-221-3090
Serials Office: Ask for assistance at the Reference Desk.
Swem-RSV: Reserve materials for a course can be picked up at Swem circulation desk. You may also see other library locations followed by the RSV designation - go to the listed library.

Execptions to Library of Congress Numbering

Government documents use the Superintendent of Documents (SuDocs) call number system. These documents are located in the Government Information collection on the 1st floor of Swem Library.

The library catalog will give you a "SuDocs" call number for any government document found in this collection. Colons and slashes in the number will give you a clue that you are looking at a SuDocs item.

TD 8.2:L 52/4

Legislative history of recent primary safety belt laws

United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.