To read a call number, read left to right and top to bottom.
- Books are shelved alphabetically by the first line of the call number. Call numbers with a single letter come before those with two letters.
- If the first line is the same, go to the second line.
- Remember that the numbers in the third line are in decimal order.
- Continue down to the fourth line if all previous lines are the same. This is where you will find a publication year or volume number to differentiate between different copies of the same work.
- If there is no fourth line, these books will be shelved before books with a fourth line - nothing before something.
