CUL Gateway: Call Number Searches

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Call Number Searches

A Call Number search locates a resource by its unique identification number. The Cornell University Library uses the Library of Congress classification system (LC) , for identifying and locating most of its materials. The letters and numbers that make up an LC call number describe an item's subject matter and serve as the shelf address for a physical item. The LC classification system groups materials on the library shelves by subject to enable browsing. A call number search is a virtual browse with the advantage of including multiple Cornell collections and materials currently checked out. Other kinds of classification systems are used for some sound recordings, videotapes, microforms, and special collections.

See the Search Type Comparison chart for an overview of all of the CU Library Catalog searches.

To Perform a Call Number Search:

Search Limits DO NOT apply to Subject Heading searches.

Click Call Number in the Search by: box.
In the Search for: box, type the Call number. See Search Tips below.
Choose the number of records to display per page.
Click Search.

Search Tips:

LC call numbers consist of letter-number groups: DJ1 K69
Enter the period in LC call numbers if one appears within a number group. Other punctuation that appears in LC call numbers is not required for searching: HB1043.4 A3 S67 1985
Enter a space between each letter-number group in LC call numbers: QC984 O5 A2
Enter a space before a date designation in LC call numbers: PR878 B47 C73 2000
Most dissertations and thesis call numbers consist of the word "thesis", followed by a space, and then the date: thesis 1999 B368 (Not all libraries use this call number style, so you may need to consult with a member of reference staff for further assistance.)
See More Examples below for other types of call numbers.
Do not use any truncation symbol (?). Searches are automatically truncated and retrieve records that begin with the call number entered.

More Examples:

Not all libraries follow the same call number styles. If you can't find the material you seek, consult with a member of the reference staff.

To Retrieve:

Enter:

Library of Congress call numbers PR878 B47 C73 2000

Theses* thesis 1892 290
Microforms* microfiche 293

Sound Recordings* CD 2995

Video Recordings* video 1183

Pamphlets* pamphlet Z 11

*Please note that due to a problem with the system, searching by call number for the asterisked items above does not always take you to the screen with the exact call number you have requested. You may have to scroll through several pages using the previous and next buttons to navigate to the requsted item. The Cornell University Library is aware that this is a problem. This is a fix, however, that we cannot make, but rather something that needs to be looked into by the vendor of the system. We have contacted the vendor and will continue to work with them on a potential solution. In the mean time, when searching for Cornell these using the "THESIS" call number, enter only the alphabetical part of the call number and not the numeric part. For example, enter "THESIS DS" not "THESIS DS 152...".

Interpreting your Search Results and Displays