How to read shelf numbers. (cont’d.)

Now that we know what a call number is, we can take a look at how these books are shelved in the stacks. The first line of a call number begins with one, two or three letters. These letters are always read alphabetically. Therefore, H comes before PC which comes before QR, etc. Also, keep in mind that QC comes before QD which comes before QE:

Numbers that appear in the first line are arranged in numerical order:

Next comes the second line of the call number. This second line begins with a letter and is arranged aphabetically:

But, the numbers in the second line are in decimal order:

Think you know how the books and journals are arranged on the shelves? Continue on to the quiz to test your knowledge. (It may take a moment for the quiz to load.)

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