What is a Call Number?

The Libraries' books are shelved in subject order.  When a book is received, Library of Congress Subject Headings and a call number are assigned to the book.  The first letter(s) in the alphanumeric call number designate the book's major subject classification.  Each subsequent character categorizes the book more specifically.  (Search Strategy Tip: browse the shelves near your call number or in other Library of Congress classified collections, like Reference or even within other libraries, to find books on similar topics.)  Most periodicals (journals, magazines, newspapers, etc.) in the Libraries are shelved in alphabetical order by title.

The following book locations apply to the General Collection in Honnold/Mudd Library only.

Please note: Due to the renovation of Honnold/Mudd, some items have been shelved in temporary locations. If books, journals, and other materials are not where you expect them to be, please ask for assistance at the Reference Desk, the Information Desk, or the Circulation Desk.