Call numbers are used to group materials about the same or similar subjects together on the shelf. Ward Edwards Library uses the Library of Congress Classification Schedules to assign call numbers to materials. Call numbers usually have four or five parts. The way to read a call number is to start at the top. The first line of the call number contains the Class Letters.
Most books have only one cutter number, but some have two.
Cutter numbers are used to put books in alphabetical order within class numbers. The numbers are assigned to ensure proper alphabetical order. Some older books do not have the year in the call number, but almost all newer materials do. Five line call numbers have two cutter number lines. This happens when the general call number subject can be divided further, by language or location, for instance.