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Call numbers are alphanumeric codes that libraries use to organize print books on the bookshelves.
To find a book at the library by its call number, search for the book in our online catalog. You will find the availability, library location, and call number of the book you are looking for in the result.
The Calder Library uses the National Library of Medicine classification system for its call numbers, which groups books by subjects. All books with the same letters in the call number are about the same topic. For example, if the book’s call number begins with “WG,” you know the book will be about the cardiovascular system.
To learn what each part of the call number represents, refer to the following chart:
| Call Number | Example: WG 370 H367 2004 |
| WG |
Call numbers begin with letters that refer to the general subject WG = Cardiovascular System |
| 370 |
The letters are followed by numbers that refer to the specific subject. 370 = Heart Failure |
| H4367 |
The third part of the call number usually represents the author's last name or the beginning of the book's title. H = Heart |
| 2004 |
The last 4-digit number in the call number is the year the book was published. 2004 = year published |
When you are ready to find the book, go to the bookshelves in the library that house the right call number range. The call numbers are found on the lower book spine.
Using the example above, look for the call number that begins with W in the bookshelves on the third floor of the Calder Library. Then, within the W section, look for the section starting with WG. Within the WG section, look for the number 370. Continue looking for each part of the call number until you find the right book.
Once you have the book, go to the Circulation Desk on the first floor to check it out.