Call Number: Class Number, Book Number and Collection Number

Call Number: Class Number, Book Number, and Collection Number

A call number is a unique identifier assigned to a book or other library materials, designed to help locate it in the library's collection. It provides a way to organize and retrieve library resources based on classification schemes such as Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC), Universal Decimal Classification (UDC), or Colon Classification (CC).

A call number typically consists of three main parts:

1. Class Number

2. Book Number

3. Collection Number (optional or used in some systems)

Here is an explanation of each component:

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1. Class Number:

Definition: The Class Number is the first part of the call number and indicates the subject or classification of the material. It is derived from the classification scheme (e.g., DDC, UDC, or CC) that the library uses to categorize the book or material.

Purpose: It helps place the item in the correct location within the library, according to its subject area. Items on similar topics are grouped together in the same area of the library.

Structure:

In the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system, the class number is typically a number, often followed by a decimal point and additional digits. For example, 510 represents Mathematics.

In the Universal Decimal Classification (UDC), class numbers might use more complex notation, such as 64:316 for sociology of work.

In Colon Classification (CC), the class number can be a combination of symbols, numbers, and letters, indicating facets such as Personality, Matter, Energy, Space, and Time (PMEST).

Example: In DDC, a class number like 510 would represent Mathematics, and 500 for Science.

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2. Book Number:

Definition: The Book Number (also known as the Author Number or Title Number) further distinguishes an individual item within a subject category. It provides information about the specific book or item, often reflecting the author’s surname or the title of the book.

Purpose: The book number helps uniquely identify a specific work within a class, ensuring that multiple works on the same subject (with the same class number) are distinguished from one another.

Structure:

It may use letters or numbers, often related to the author’s name or a part of the book’s title. In systems like DDC, a book number may include the first few letters of the author’s last name followed by a number, such as 510.92 L345 for a book on mathematics by an author with the last name starting with "L".

In Colon Classification (CC), the book number is determined based on the facets and specifics of the book's content.

Example: For a book on mathematics by Leonhard Euler, the class number might be 510, and the book number could be E85, where E85 indicates works by Euler.

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3. Collection Number:

Definition: The Collection Number is an optional component in some libraries and classification systems. It indicates a special collection or sub-collection that the item belongs to, like a rare collection, a specific series, or a thematic grouping.

Purpose: It helps libraries organize and retrieve materials from specialized collections or sets, which might not be grouped purely by subject but by a specific collection or characteristic.

Structure: The collection number is typically placed after the book number or in addition to it. This part of the call number is usually a code or letter-number combination that signifies a special collection or group.

Example: A book in a Rare Books Collection might have a collection number such as RBC after the book number (e.g., 510 E85 RBC), indicating the book belongs to that specific collection.

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Complete Call Number:

A complete call number will typically include all the components mentioned above and may look like this:

DDC Example: 510.92 L345 — where 510.92 is the class number (mathematics), and L345 is the book number (related to the author or title).

UDC Example: 64:316 M452 — where 64:316 represents the sociology of work and M452 is the book number.

Colon Classification Example: P:M:E:S:T — this indicates a subject classified under facets like Personality, Matter, Energy, Space, and Time.

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Summary of Call Number Components:

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In essence, the call number is a unique identifier that helps organize books and materials in libraries. By using the class number, book number, and collection number, libraries can systematically categorize and retrieve resources based on subject, author, and other relevant factors.