Q. How do I read LC call numbers?

Academic libraries often use LC (Library of Congress) Classification. Each book in the library has a unique call number. A call number is like an address: it tells us where the book is located in the library. Call numbers appear on the spines of books and journals, and in the library's catalog. 

Reading the Number: 

Example - HQ 75.6 U5H64 2016     OR     HQ

                                                                   75.6

                                                                   U5H64

                                                                   2016

Read the number from left to right, or top to bottom (depending on how it's displayed). 

HQ - First letters: Read the first line in alphabetical order.

75.6 - Numbers that follow the letters: Read the second line as a whole number, numerically. 

U5H64 - Cutter Number (the next set of numbers): The third line is a combination of letters and numbers. Read the letter alphabetically and numbers in numerical order. 

2016 - Year number: This is the year the book wash published, to be read in chronological order. 

For more information and resources on reading and understanding LC call numbers, see the Library of Congress Classification webpage.