It shows the location of the collection, is the code for sorting, checking, borrowing, returning and registering of the library, and is the main basis for literature borrowing and collection inventory. Generally, it consists of several groups of numbers arranged by branches, which are often printed on the upper left corner of the catalog card, on the book label below the spine, and above the title page or back cover of the book.
A call number can only represent one kind of book. Because the shelving methods of library books can basically be divided into two categories: classified shelving and formal shelving. Therefore, call numbers can basically be divided into two categories: classified call numbers and formal call numbers.
In general, the call number consists of two parts: the classification number and the book number. The first part of the call number is the classification number used according to the subject theme of the book.
The second part of the call number is the author number arranged according to the name of the book author, or the serial number taken according to the time when the book entered the library. By using the author number, books written by an author on the same subject will be grouped together, which is also convenient for readers to find information.
The classification number is taken according to the Chinese Library Book Classification. For the classification system, please refer to the table of China Library Classification. The book number is the serial number of books with the same classification number, which consists of 1-3 Arabic numerals. The author number consists of the first pinyin letter of the first responsible person (limited to 1) and three Arabic numerals.