Think of Call Numbers like an address - they describe the location of a physical item.

Call numbers represent subjects, genres, authors, and more and are assigned to group items of similar topics.

You do not need to know what each line means in order to locate an item in the library, but it helps to know how to break it down.

Click on the tabs to the left for specific examples (with photos) demonstrating how to find materials in Waldo Library.

*Please note that most, not all, of Waldo Library's materials are housed according to the Library of Congress Classification System.*

Here are some helpful links included in the rest of our guide, all in one place:

• Library of Congress (LOC) Classifcation System
  • Most academic libraries use this system
  • Inspired by the Cutter Classification System
  • Video How-To
• Dewey Decimal Classification System
  • Used by most public and school libraries
  • Britannica definition
  • Video How-to 
• Waldo Library Floor Maps
  • Available online via the link above or images downloaded below
  • Lower Level is temporarily closed, no map available at this time
• Zhang Legacy Collection Center
  • Request materials to read ahead of your visit
• Library Search Subject Guide
  • Check out our helpful tool designed to walk you through the steps of looking for materials on our homepage.

• How do I get help if I can't find what I'm looking for?
  • Ask for help at the Service Desk by the entrance of Waldo Library or contact us online via chat, text, email, or phone.
• What if I pick up a book and decide I no longer want it?
  • Place any items you do not wish to check out in the bins located at the end of the stacks, or bring them up to the front desk.
• How do I check out a book from the library in-person?
  • Bring your item(s) and your Bronco card to the Service Desk. Staff can help you or there is a self checkout machine next to the Service Desk. 
• What does "OVERSIZE" at the top of a call number mean?: 
  • This means the physical copy of this item is too large to fit on the regular shelf, and will likely be on the Lower Level in the Oversize section.
• What does "C.1" at the bottom of a call number mean?:
  • A "C" with a decimal and a number attached to it indicates the copy number of an item. We may have multiple copies of certain materials, depending on how popular and well used they are.
  • All copies are the same item, one copy should not be different from the original.
• What does "V.1" at the bottom of a call number mean? 
  • "V" with a decimal and a number indicates the volume number. Shakespeare's works sometimes have volumes 
• Why do some subjects (such as geography and music) match their assigned letters, but some don't?
  • The LoC constructed their call numbers inspired by the Cutter Classification System. First line is subject, second referes to author, third typically indicates dates and editions, etc...
• Why don't academic libraries use Dewey?
  • When the Dewey Decimal System (DDS) was first developed, it did not completely encompass all of the various subjects that grew in larger institutional libraries. Computer science, for example, was hard to put into a DDS category, and the more sub-sections that were tacked on to different headings and subjects, the longer and more confusing the call numbers became. LoC is more often used in larger institutions specifically because it is more descriptive of subject headings.
• How do I use library search to even begin looking for a book?
  • Check out our helpful guide/tutorial on starting in library search here.
• What system does our Archives and Special Collections use?
  • Many of our facsimiles, manuscripts, fiction and non-fiction are arranged by the LoC system. Some collections, such as Historical Children's Literature, Mini-books, art-books, and more, use a different system. Take note of whatever call number is shown on the item page to request it. Click here for more information about the Zhang Legacy Collections center and how to access materials from their collections.