Library Staff Resources (Lake Worth): Training

Library of Congress Classification

At PBSC we use the alphanumeric Library of Congress Classification System. This allows us to easily and efficiently keep track of large amounts of books.

How to Read a Call Number

A call number tells you exactly where to go to find the book, or where the book should be returned. The call number is made up of letters, whole numbers, decimals, a publication date, and occasionally a volume and/or copy number. This allows for each book to have a specific location.  

A call number looks like this on the spine of the book:

                                                                                       LA

                                                                                       212

                                                                                       .R423

                                                                                       2005

○ Alphanumeric Subject

The LCC system uses the beginning letters and first line of numbers to indicate the subject of the book (in this example, LA 212: Education > History of Education > United States). As you might expect, the letters are ordered alphabetically.

The numbers immediately following the first letter(s) are read as whole numbers. Sometimes there are decimals in the first number. In these cases, the whole numbers are read as before, but the numbers following the decimal are read as decimals. 

○ Cutter Numbers

The next part of the call number (.R423 in above example) is referred to as the Cutter number. Cutter numbers contain letters, which are ordered alphabetically, and decimal numbers. Some books have two Cutter numbers. They are both read as decimals even though the second Cutter number does not contain a decimal (in order to distinguish the two numbers).

○ Date of Publication

The last number in the above example, 2004, is the date of publication. This is to be shelved in chronological order for the same book. For example, a 2004 second edition comes after the original 1978 publication but before the 2006 third edition, and so forth.

○ Volume Numbers   

Sometimes a call number will contain a volume number, labeled v.1, v.2, etc. These are shelved in whole number numerical order within the set of books.

 ○ Copy Numbers

A call number will contain a copy number if there are multiple copies of the same book on the shelf, labeled c.1, c.2, etc. These are shelved in whole number order.

→ one thing to always keep in mind when shelving books and shelf-reading is that nothing comes before something.

If a book contains no volume number, that book comes before a book within a set that does contain a volume number. If a book contains no date in the call number, that book comes before the same book that does have a date in the call number.

Shelf Reading

Shelf Reading is when you browse the collection to make sure books are in the correct call number order. This practice is essential to keeping the book shelves, or stacks, organized. A log will be kept at the Circulation Desk where you can record your progress.

On your shelf reading log enter the following information:

• Date
• Name
• Starting call number (the first call number read)
• Ending call number (last call number read)
• Start time
• End time
•  

When reading each section consider:

Is the item in the right place when compared to its "neighbors?" 

• If yes, continue reading.
• If no, remove the item and determine where it should go.
  • Items that are only slightly out of place can be immediately shelved.
  • Items that are "far from home" should be brought to the Circ. Desk.
  • The item may have been previously marked as missing and should be checked in.
  •  

Spacing

There should be sufficient room on each shelf to accommodate the end brace and extra space for book re-shelving. Each collection varies in how much shelf room it has for all of its books, but just remember to leave an even amount of space at the end of every shelf--usually about 1/4 of the total shelf space. Do not crowd shelves or cramp books!

Edging

Edging books is simply pulling the books close to the edge of the shelf and evening out the row. To ensure that the books are easily accessible, it’s good to edge them so that the patron can easily see the call number and spine title of the book.

When edging, be sure to pull the book from the spine or from farther back on the top of the book.

Shelf Maintenance

Shelf maintenance is a general term for the work done in the stacks. All of the work that takes place in the stacks is intended for the betterment of the library. When the stacks are organized in an orderly fashion it easy to find what you’re searching for.

Shelving

There are book carts for shelving books located in the stacks and one behind the circulation desk. Start shelving rounds with the cart behind the circulation desk. Before shelving the books, place the books on the cart in order. If the books are in order before they are shelved, it makes the shelving process considerably more efficient.

Shelving a book is simply putting that book back where it belong. The main stacks are arranged by subject (A-Z).

Please note that all books marked “Ref.” on the spine belong in the reference area. A “Ref.” book should not be shelved in the circulating stacks area; likewise, a book for the circulating collection should never go in the reference stacks. These are the most commonly mixed up books, but also be mindful of books marked Reserve, oversized, Spanish and Popular (orange spine) books.

Check call numbers around the items being shelved

All items should be brought to the edge of the shelf

If an area is too full to properly shelve, shift.

If you are not sure, ask! Do not guess.