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CRWR 315: Writing Historical Fiction

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How to Read a Call Number (Library of Congress-Style)

Sample Call Number:  PN6790.J33 S44 2004

The Library of Congress (LC) Call Number that you see in the catalog is used to locate the item on the shelves in the Library.  Think of it like a book's address. It will be on a label and will be arranged vertically.  You can use this vertical arrangement to help you find the item.

PN 6790 .J33 S44 2004
The first part of the call number contains letters.  You read these alphabetically.  For example, PN comes before PZ. The second part of the call number contains numbers.  These are read in numerical order.  6790 is located far away from 67 (68-6789 are located in between). The second part of the call number may also contain decimals or letters and decimals.  They are read first in alphabetical order, then decimal order.  For example, .J33 comes before .J5 or .W23. The third part of the call number contains a letter and numbers.  They are read first in alphabetical order, then in decimal order. For example, S44 comes before S891. The final line includes dates of publication, volume indicators, issue numbers and/or copy numbers.  You can use the final line to help make sure you get the right version of the item.

Remember, books with similar call numbers will cover the same subjects. If you find a book on the shelf that looks interesting, look around the same area to find others!

Interlibrary Loan

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If a book you need isn't available at the Goldstein Library, you can request a copy to be delivered from another library using Interlibrary Loan. This free service is available for students, staff, and faculty. 

Fill out the Interlibrary Loan Request Form to submit a request.

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