A call number is a combination of letters and numbers which identifies the location and subject matter of books and other library resources. Think of a call number as an address for a book on the library shelf. Be aware that books on similar subjects will appear next to each other. Locate call numbers on the spine of a book or at the upper left-hand corner.
Most academic libraries use the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system to generate call numbers. Most books in the field of sociology can be found in the following call number ranges:
Sociology books housed within WVU's Downtown Campus Library will be on the 5th and 6th floor.
This brief video is an excellent overview of call numbers and how to read them in order to retrieve a book from the library's shelves.
from Portland State University Library
