Reading Call Numbers The Library of Congress arranges materials by subject, or 'class'. The first section of the call number represents the subject of the book. The second section often represents the author's name, and the last section is the date of publication.

Call numbers can usually be located on the lower part of the spine of the book. Search for the book in our Library Search. The results screen will tell you the location, call number, and whether or not the book is available on shelf.

You can search catalog records by keyword or browse by authors/creators, subjects, names/titles, series/uniform titles, and call numbers. Browse lists also include searching aids such cross-references and scope notes.