Every book in the library has an assigned number and letter combination that tells us where to find it. This combination is called a Call Number. While you may be familiar with the Dewey Decimal System which is another system of Call Numbers, CRC and many other Academic Libraries use the Library of Congress’ Classification system. Each letter and number represents a different topic, region, or year that describes the book it's assigned to. 

You don’t need to memorize what each letter or number stands for, but it can be helpful to learn the letter that directs to the main topic(s) that you are majoring in. You can also consult this document online for a list of main topics or you can request a printed copy on your next visit to the library.

In OneSearch when looking for a book, the Call Number will appear next to the location information about the book. For instance, if you were looking for Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, you will see that the book is listed as “Available at Cosumnes River College Library Circulating (Call Number: PR539 .F7 1989)” on the search results page.

Once you have the Call Number for your book, you can visit the library in person to search for it!

Before you start searching, check if your book is in Circulating or a Special Collection. Circulating books will always be on the main shelves on the 2nd and 3rd floor while Special Collections are only on the 2nd floor in display racks, tables or on labelled shelving away from the main collection.

The CRC library has all of its books with Call Numbers beginning with A-G on the first floor and H-Z on the second. Each shelf has a small sign which lists the Call Number range you can expect to find on that shelving unit.

Books organized by Call Number are always in alphabetical and numerical order and, if a volume (v.1) or year is included, in chronological order. 

• Call Numbers with multiple letters such as PR, always come after the first letter, P, by itself. 
• While this Call Number uses a whole number, 5397, there are other Call Numbers that have decimals such as 40.7 or 40.82, which would be organized numerically between 40 and 41.