Using Call Numbers and Finding Books

You can find books on the First Floor, Second Floor and Third Floor of the HSU Library

A call number is the address of a book or a periodical (magazine or journal) in the library. Our library uses the Library of Congress call number system for arranging most of our materials. Here is a breakdown of how they are organized by call number throughout each level:

First Floor: Reference books (call numbers A-Z) located behind the Research Help Desk

Second Floor South: Books with call numbers that begin with A-M are shelved on the south side of the second floor (to the left off the main stairs).

A - General Works

B - Philosophy, Psychology, Religion

C - Auxiliary Sciences of History

D - World History and History of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, etc.

E - History: United States (America) (through call number E183)

F - History: United States local history, British America (including Canada), Dutch America, French America, Latin America / Spanish America

G - Geography, Anthropology, Recreation

H - Social Sciences

J - Political Science

K - Law

L - Education

M - Music

Note: the 2nd floor also contains the Juvenile Literature and Curriculum Collection

Third Floor: Books with call numbers that begin with N-Z are shelved on the south side of the third floor (to the left off the main stairs).

N - Fine Arts

P - Language and Literature

Q - Science

R - Medicine

S - Agriculture

T - Technology

U - Military Science

V - Naval Science

Z - Library Science & Information Resources

In the example we discussed in the previous sections, the call number for the book we searched for is PN1993.5.A1 B69 2012 (Cinematic Footprint : Lights, Camera, Natural Resources by Nadia Bozak).  Since this call number falls between the range of N-Z, we would find it on the Third Floor.

We've gathered a few links that may help you understand more about call numbers. Click on the tab above titled Helpful Tips.

(above image from The Perkiomen School)