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CML F.A.Q.

Question: How do I read call numbers at the CML?

Answer: There are several different call number designations within the Curriculum Materials Library. The Library of Congress call number classification is used for the Professional Materials Collection (PMC), Non-fiction, Textbooks, and Videos and Kits.

Understanding Library of Congress Call Numbers

Library of Congress Call Numbers are alphanumeric. When you read a call number, first there is a letter and then a number. In alphabetical order G comes before GA, GB, GC and so on. The first set of numbers is a whole number so 23 comes before 199. The second alphanumberic set is a decimal so .55 comes before .60

G           GA
12          33
M55       M6

In alphabetical order G comes before GA. Numerical order 12 before 33. Alphabetical & Decimal Order M55 M6 (.55 comes before .6)

*Remember, the call numbers on the shelves will read top to bottom, or vertically, as shown above, while the call numbers in the online catalog will read across, or horizontally.

Picture books, Early Readers, and Juvenile Fiction all are arranged on the shelf alphabetically by the author's last name.