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This Is Auburn Auburn University Libraries LibGuides

Locating Books in Auburn University Libraries

An explanation of the Library of Congress Classification System and how to use it to locate books in AU Libraries

What is a call number?

Every book is assigned an unique call number based on the Library of Congress Classification system.  The call number helps you to find a specific book in the library.

Here’s an example of the spine of a book:

*Graphic is based off of examples online from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Charlotte Christian College, Forman Christian College, Reynolds Community College, James Madison University, University of West Georgia, University of Kentucky, and others.

Example of books ordered correctly

*Graphic is based off of examples online from Samford University, Atlantic School of Theology, University System of Georgia, Mercer University, Nova Scotia Community College, and others.

Example of books organized by call number from RBD Library