Libraries use classification systems to organize the books on the shelves. A classification system uses letters and/or numbers (call numbers) to arrange the books so that books on the same topic are together. This arrangement assists in “subject browsing:” you find one book in the catalog, go to the shelf, and an even better book is sitting right next to it.
Book Title: Uncensored War: The Media and Vietnam
Author: Daniel C. Hallin
Call Number: DS559.46 .H35 1986
The first two lines describe the subject of the book (e.g. DS559.45 = Vietnamese Conflict)
The third line often represents the author’s last name (e.g. H = Hallin)
The last line represents the date of publication.
Read call numbers line by line.
