Welcome to WSU Libraries! In this guide, we'll unlock the mysteries of call numbers and location prefixes. Knowing these helps you quickly locate and access your desired
Call Numbers
Books and material are arranged on our shelves according to the Library of Congress (LC) classification system. These call numbers uniquely identify and organize items near other material on the same or similar subjects. Consider the call number: LB2395 C65 1991.
●LB defines the subject area. The call letters are typically arranged in alphabetical (字母的) order, starting from A and continuing through the alphabet. Knowing the letter(s) for your subject area gives you a place to start browsing the shelves. For example: A—Special request General Works; B—Special request Special request Philosophy, Psychology, Religion; D—Special request World History; G—Geography; H—Special request Social Sciences; J—Special request Political Science; K—Special request Law; L—Special request Education; M—Special request Music; N—Special request Arts; P—Special request Language and Literature; Q—Special request Science...For more, click here.
●2395 is the classification number, which further distinguishes the subject matter. Read as a whole number: 1, 2, 3, 45, 100, 2430...
●C65 is the Cutter number and usually represents the author's last name. Find C, then
65. Read the number as a decimal (小数).
●1991 is the year of publication.
Location Prefixes
Some call numbers have a location prefix. I ocation prefixes mean that the book or material is shelved in a special place, and may have loan restrictions. WSU uses the following prefixes:
Prefix | Collection | Library Location | Loan Period |
[Blank] | Circulating Collection | 2nd floor, 3rd floor, and 4th floor | 21-day loan |
Ref | Reference Collection | 1st floor, Reference Area | Library-use only |
Res | Reserve Collection | 1st floor, Circulation Area | Library-use only |
Video | Audiovisuals | 2nd floor, Learning Resources Center | Special request |