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Concept Briefing

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Call Number

Abstract

A call number is a systematic method corresponding with a classification scheme. These unique codes offer library holdings a mode of establishing sole representation of individual items. This briefing offers the reader with an understanding of the function, use, formation, and role of a call number. Call numbers are the foundation in classification systems to furnish item organization and physical arrangement for library collections. The author of this briefing delivers examples of call numbers within the Library of Congress and the Dewey Decimal systems. These examples represent subject-related classification, item specific coding and the need for users to acquire the ability to fully apprehend call number arrangement. The author hopes to provide the reader with an appreciation of a call number’s role and its significance in the process of effectively locating, choosing and obtaining needed materials for users. Introduction

This briefing seeks to inform the reader by: (1) discussing the function of a call number, (2) understanding the use of a call number in classification schemes, (3) explaining the basic establishment of a call number, and (4) addressing the retrieval role of a call number.

Definition

A call number is an alphanumeric code used to uniquely represent an item in a library collection. The number and letter arrangement of a call number is derived from the classification system selected. The assigned identifier organizes materials by classifying objects by subject and developing a physical shelf location (Reitz, J. M., 2015).

Purpose and implications

Purpose of a Call Number

The primary purpose of a call number is to aid users in the task of locating, selecting and acquiring sought after material. Patrons discover the object’s call number in a bibliographic record when searching a library catalog. The identifying code corresponds with the number found on a label placed outside the item. This facilitates a retrieval tool for the user to pinpoint the actual object in a book stack. A browsing benefit for the user is material pertaining to the same topic is shelved in the surrounding area providing collocation. (Krause, S., 2007, p. 6).

Use of a Call Number in Classification Schemes
“Most classification systems have been used, beginning in the late 1800s, as the base upon which to create call numbers…” (Taylor, A., 2009, p. 79). Structured collection methods, such as the Library of Congress or the Dewey Decimal System, rely on the unique identification numbers to organize materials by classes and track items in a collection. Book stacks are arranged with the assistance of a shelf list produced by call numbers. Classification schemes have a standardized method of establishing call numbers to warrant organization and procurement.
Establishment of a Call Number
The formation of a call number focuses on basic elements to establish sole representation. The elements include subject area, originator, and sometimes publication date. Bianchini (2012) lists these as determining characteristics: “1. Order of classes and facets, for conceptual analysis data, 2. Classic device, for literacy analysis data, 3. Book number, for formal analysis data” (p. 489).
The initial step is identifying the main subject. According to the classification system, the main topic is determined from a broad subject category listing known as classes. Bianchini (2012) suggests the next step requires an in-depth examination to individualize the object. The notations that follow continue to narrow the material even further in subject identity. The class is subdivided until the object is uniquely signified. As a cataloger solidifies a call number, codes are added targeting other elements.
Retrieval Role of a Call Number
“Cataloging and classification are among the most standardized, regulated processes in the library…to identify, locate and retrieve the sources that will fill an information need” (Hudon, M. 2010, p. 65). Classification schemes vitally rely on distinctive call numbers for this key reason. There are occasions when identifying codes become so intrinsic locating becomes difficult. Harris (2013, p. 14) agrees that call numbers can become overly complicated for patrons.
In a study of college students using the Library of Congress system, researchers Murphy, Long and MacDonald (2013) note “…students demonstrate little facility for locating books easily and independently, misinterpret call numbers in diverse ways, and do not fully understand the library’s organization of materials.” When user attainment is hindered it raises a concern for libraries. In any classification system, the call number’s effectiveness is measured by the patron’s ability to utilize the system with very little assistance. This user-friendly focus is causing libraries to take a closer look at the overall role call numbers play in the retrieval process for a user. (Kaplan, Dolloff, Giffard, and Still-Schiff, 2012)

Examples

Example #1: Specific item identification is obtained with call numbers.

The Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system uses a call number design to dissect each element of an object to obtain uniqueness. A simple book entitled, Shapes All Around!, written by one author may have a call number as follows:

QA 445 .5 .H65 s 2010 v.3
Mathematics Geometry Shapes Cutter Number Work Mark Publication Date Volume number

Cutter number: a number on a chart matching an author’s name to a set of numbers
Work Mark: the author has several works in an area, the first letter distinguishing the title

Example #2: Classifying similar items with call numbers establishes organization.

A call number organizes large groups of similar subjects in a sequential manner. In the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system every item is given a number and physically positioned on a shelf in number order. Objects with the identical subject number are placed in alphabetical order by the cutter number. A call number offers a systematic way of constructing a shelf list. For example, the call numbers supply arrangement for the selected books about numeration systems as follows:

513.5
C21 513.5
L48 513.5
N14 513.5
R11 513.5
R20 513.5
R56 513.5
R72

Example #3: A call number’s effectiveness in measured by the user’s retrieval.

Taylor (2009) places emphasis on successful retrieval through the patron’s ability to use call number organization. In a study conducted by Murphy (2013), results support training is essential for users to fully understand how to read call numbers to assure successful procurement. Public schools and universities acknowledge this need and offer basic training according to their classification system.

Conclusion

A call number establishes assurance in identifying a specific object, organizing items in a library collection and encouraging object browsing. The principal aim of the distinctive code is to provide users a systematic approach procuring informational resources within a classification scheme. Catalogers are charged with dissecting the object to guarantee an exclusive call number while analyzing the item’s basic features. As library collections increase, call number complexity is rising. Facilities are analyzing the effectiveness and use of a call number to ensure the ease of obtaining material for patrons does not decline.

References

Bianchini, C., (2012). Arrangement of FRBR entities in colon classification call numbers. Cataloging & Classification Quarterly, 50, 5-7, 473-493. doi:10.1080/01639374.2012.679877

Harris, C., (2013). Library classification 2020. Knowledge Quest, 42(2), 14-19.

Hudon, M., (2010). Teaching classification, 1990-2010, Cataloging & Classification Quarterly, 48:1, 4-82.

Kaplan, T. B., Dolloff, A. K., Giffard, S., Still-Schiff, J., (2012). Are Dewey’s days numbered?: Libraries nationwide are ditching the old classification system. School Library Journal, 1-6.

Krause, S. D., (2007). Chapter two, “Understanding and using the library and the internet for research.” The process of research writing, Version 1.0, Spring 2007, 1-7.

Murphy, J., Long, D., MacDonald, J. B., (2013). Students’ understanding of the library of congress call number system. The Reference Librarian, 54:103-117.

Reitz, J. M., (2015). ODLIS: Online Dictionary for library and information science. Retrieved from ABC-CLIO, LLC database.

Taylor, A. G., (2009). The organization of information (3rd ed.). Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

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