Call numbers are given to all library materials as a means of arranging the materials systematically. An ISBN, or international standard book number, is assigned to a book when it is published. Since each ISBN is unique, it is an alternative way of identifying a book. Similarly, an ISSN, international standard serial number, identifies a periodical. Reference numbers are used by music publishers to identify records, tapes, and compact discs.
Call numbers can be tricky to search.
There is a lengthy set of complex guidelines that determine how they must be entered. The following are some of the main points. The general rule of spacing is to enter the first letters and numbers without spaces. If the call number has a date, put a space before the date. The spacing you enter must match the spacing in the bibliographic record.