More Information:
LC is the classification system used by most
Books & Electronic Access to Resources
Information Literacy Resource Series for the Magnolia Library
(225) 216-8555 ● librarian@mybrcc.edu
LC Classification System
All libraries use a classification system to organ-
ize their holdings. This is done for two reasons:
Materials can be found when needed
Materials are ordered by subject or topic to
encourage you to browse the shelves
LC or Library of Congress Classification System
How To Use It:
LC call numbers begin with letters to indicate
a general subject area (see reverse) – these
are shelved alphabetically. If the call num-
ber has a second letter, as this one does, it
indicates a subtopic area:
PQ
Whole numbers that follow are
called Classification Numbers
and indicate a specific subject
area. Classification numbers are
read in counting order:
6329
The second line begins with a
decimal and is read as a decimal
number. You will see a letter
and a string of encoded num-
bers indicating the author or
authoring organization – this is
called the Cutter Number:
.A2
Sometimes Cutter Numbers
require more than one line. All
lines of the Cutter Number are
read the same way.
PQ6329
.A2
1880 Finally, there may be a date,
which is read chronologically:
1880
colleges and university systems
“Call numbers” are location codes located on
the labels on the “spines” or edges of books
LC call numbers are composed of both letters
and numbers
A tutorial for using LC Classification can be found
at the University of Canterbury:
http://tiny.cc/uclc
Library of Congress
Classification Outline
A General Works
B Philosophy, Psychology, Religion
C Sciences of History
D World History
E American History
F American History
G Geography, Anthropology, and Rec-
reation
H Social Sciences
J Political Science
K Law
L Education
M Music, Books on Music
N Fine Arts
P Language and Literature
Q Science
R Medicine
S Agriculture
T Technology
U Military Science
V Naval Science
Z Bibliography, Library Science, and
Information Resources
BearEssentials/BE-Classification 20090413