How Do I Read Library of Congress Call Numbers?

Hesburgh Libraries use the Library of Congress Classification system to shelve most books and  periodicals (including the current issues of periodicals as well as the bound issues).  The classification system is designed to group library materials of similar subject concentration together and is used by many universities and colleges.

The Library of Congress call number system is an alpha-numeric sytem. To read the call number, simply note the first letter or letters of the call number. "LA" would be shelved before "LB", "LC" before "LD", etc.  Numbers follow the initial letter or letters. These numbers are read as whole numbers. A call number of "LA2" will be shelved before "LA4".

Here is a sample of how to read call numbers line by line:


Here is a sample of items in call number order:

Click here for a detailed list of Library of Congress classifications.