SUBJECT GUIDES: Generic Call Numbers

GENERIC CALL NUMBERS What type of call number system does the LAC & PCC libraries use? Both the LAC and PCC libraries use the Library of Congress Call Number and the "generic" call number systems to classify items. The generic method is a system devised in-house to group items by either the last name of the author or by subject. You may locate both the generic and LC call numbers call numbers in the library's online catalog. You must copy the entire call number in order to locate the item. Generic call numbers One of the classification systems used by the LBCC libraries to classify items is "generic" or "homemade" call numbers. These are used to classify items, usually in alphabetical or sequential order. Play and Paperback collections: Books in these sections are classified under the author's last name. They are also filed on the shelves alphabetically by the author's last name. This is how the call numbers would appear on the online catalog: oSHAKESPEARE (book is located in the play collection) This is how the label would appear on the book: SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM This is how the label would appear on the online catalog: xCLANCY (book is located in the paperback collection) This is how the label would appear on the book: CL (first two letters of the author's last name) Pamphlet File and Reference Desk File: Items in the pamphlet file or reference desk file are classified under the call number PAMPHLET FILE or REFERENCE DESK FILE. These are filed alphabetically in the Pamphlet File or Reference Desk cabinet by topic with the topics typed on the tabs of the folders. This is how the call numbers would appear on the online catalog: PAMPHLET FILE (The topic under which the folder is filed is indicated on the screen in the title field) REFERENCE DESK FILE (The topic under which the folder is filed is indicated on the screen in the title field) Audio CDs: At LBCC libraries, audio CDs are categorized first as nonprint items (y), then by format (CD), followed by genre (classical, popular, jazz, blues, world music, etc.), then by composer (Mozart, Marley, etc.) or title of the CD, followed by numbers assigned to each CD as it is acquired by the LBCC libraries. Examples of audio CD call numbers as they appear on the online catalog: yCD BLUES BLAN 001 yCD CLAS MOZA 003 yCD WORLD AFRICA Nigeria ADE 002 yCD CLAS ado If filed under the artist or the composer, the discs are labeled this way: CD BLUES BLAN 001 CD CLAS MOZA 003 CD WORLD AFRICA Nigeria ADE 002 The following are examples of CDs filed under the title, instead of the composer: CD CLAS ado CD CLAS chom Refer also to the handout, "Library Lingo: a Guide to Library Terminology" for explanations of other terms used in the library. Back to Call Number Page Please see the Librarian at the Reference Desk for assistance. Stacks Page Dele's Home Page Please send comments and/or suggestions to Dele C. Ukwu at: dukwu@lbcc.edu Compiled by Dele C. Ukwu Department Head, Long Beach City College Library & Bibliographic Access Librarian 4901 East Carson Street Long Beach, CA 90808 updated 4/2004

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