Explain Call Number, Class Number, Book Number with Example

The terms Call Number, Class Number, Book Number, and Collection Number are important components used to organize and identify library materials. While they are related, they each have distinct roles in how books and resources are cataloged in libraries

Call Number, Class Number, Book Number, and Collection Number are often used in library cataloging, specifically in classification schemes like the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Colon Classification(CC) or Library of Congress Classification (LCC). These numbers help organize books and other resources, making it easier to locate them within a library system. Here’s an explanation of each:

1. Call Number

A Call Number is a unique identifier given to a book or other resource in a library’s collection. It allows library users to locate a specific item on the shelves. The call number usually combines subject classification, author information, and sometimes publication details. It’s like the “address” of a book on the shelf.

Call Number = Class Number + Book Number + Collection Number

• Structure: Typically, a call number is composed of:
  1. Class Number: Represents the subject of the resource.
  2. Book Number: Identifies the specific book within the class.
  3. Other Information: It could include author’s last name, publication year, or edition.
• Example (Dewey Decimal Classification):
  • 398.2 G65:
    • 398.2: Folklore (class number for folklore).
    • G65: The unique identifier for a book by an author (often a letter/number code for the author’s last name or title).
• Example (Library of Congress Classification):
  • PS3537 .E55 2004:
    • PS: Literature (specifically American Literature).
    • 3537: The specific work or genre.
    • .E55: The author’s last name or book identifier.
    • 2004: The publication year.

2. Class Number

The Class Number is a number assigned to a book or resource that reflects its subject or content, as categorized by a specific classification system. The class number allows resources to be grouped by subject, making it easier to find related books.

The Class Number is the part of the call number that identifies the subject or topic of the book. This number is assigned based on the classification system used by the library (e.g., Dewey Decimal Classification, Library of Congress Classification).

• Example (Dewey Decimal Classification): In the Dewey Decimal Classification system, class numbers are typically three digits. For example:
  • 510: Mathematics
  • 523: Astronomy
  • 510.92: Biographies of mathematicians
  This number indicates that the resource is related to the subject of Mathematics.
• Example (Library of Congress Classification): The Library of Congress system uses letters and numbers to represent subjects. For instance:
  • QA: Mathematics
  • QA1-QA939.6: General works on mathematics
  • QA331: Calculus
  The “QA” in this example shows that the book is related to mathematics, and the further number breaks down the specific area of mathematics.

3. Book Number

The Book Number is used to uniquely identify a specific book or resource within a class or subject. It usually follows the class number and distinguishes individual works within that classification. This helps organize books alphabetically or by author name, depending on the system used.

The Book Number is part of the call number that further specifies a particular book within the class. It usually distinguishes the book by author, title, or edition. The book number helps organize works within the same subject or class.

• Example (Dewey Decimal Classification): If a book on “Calculus” by author John Smith is classified under QA331 (Calculus in Library of Congress), the book number might be:
  • QA331 .S65 (where “S65” is the unique book number for John Smith’s work on calculus).
  Here, the class number is “QA331” for Calculus, and the book number “.S65” refers to the specific book by John Smith.
• Example (Library of Congress Classification): In the LCC system, the book number might be something like:
  • QA331 .S65 2024
  • The S65 portion refers to the author’s name (Smith), and 2024 indicates the publication year.

4. Collection Number

The Collection Number refers to an identifier used in certain specialized library collections, like archival collections or rare books. It is used to group materials that are part of a particular collection and may be assigned by the library to organize specific items for easy retrieval.

The Collection Number refers to the number or code used to organize resources within a particular collection, such as a special collection, archive, or a library’s specific thematic grouping. This number is especially used when items are grouped based on particular themes or formats (e.g., rare books, manuscripts, or collections from specific institutions).

• Example: A special collection in a library related to African Art may have its own collection number assigned, such as:
  • COLL-12345: African Art Collection
  • Books within that collection would have a unique identifier under this system.

In some cases, collection numbers may not be directly tied to subject classifications like class or book numbers but instead to specific sets of materials grouped by purpose or format.

Summary

• Class Number groups resources by subject.
• Book Number identifies a specific resource within a class.
• Collection Number organizes materials within a specific collection.

Each of these numbers helps catalog and organize library resources, making it easier for library users to locate the information they need.

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