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Finding a Book in Simpson Library

In place of the card catalog, the MWC Library uses the VTLS (Virginia Tech Library System) computer system. When you walk in the Library's front door, turn immediately to your right to use the computer terminals along the front wall, near the Library's reference desk. Terminals are also located on the second and third floors along the center stairwell.

Books can be found in the computer under author, title, subject, and even keyword. Type /help for directions in the use of the system. Each book is identified with a call number, representing the subject of the book and where to find it in the Library. The Library uses the Library of Congress (LC) classification system, in which a combination of letters and numbers identifies the books' subjects and keeps them in order on the shelves.

A call number has three parts. The letter(s) in the first part identify the broad subject area of the book. The numerals in the second part indicate the book's specific subject. The third line, made up of both letters and numbers, distinguishes that work from all others on the same subject.

For example, the call number of Georges Duby's Sculpture: The Great Art of the Middle Ages from the Fifth to the Fifteenth Century is NB 170 .D813.

NB = "N" groups books on Fine Arts;
"NB" identifies works on sculpture.
170 = Medieval sculpture.
.D813 = Book or author number that sets this book apart from others on medieval sculpture.Books are shelved in order by their call numbers.

LC call numbers are shelved alphabetically by the first line, in numerical order by the second line, and then in alphanumeric order (a letter and decimal number). The following call numbers are all arranged in correct order:

D DK PN PN PN PN PN

30 4 56 560 560.3 571 571

.T41 .A39 .S55 .H63 .D4 .A43 .A5

Remember that the number on the second line is treated as a whole number, while the number on the third line--following the decimal point and letter--is treated as a decimal. Thus, in the last two call numbers, .43 is smaller than .5 (if this is confusing, think of it as .43 and .50--or 43 cents vs. 50 cents)!

Books with call numbers beginning with A through L are shelved on the Library's third floor, while the M's through V's are on the second floor. Z's are on the first floor (I, O. W, X, and Y are not used in the classification system).

A location symbol may be added above a call number to distinguish those library materials that because of their size or use are shelved separately from the general collection. Examples include reference books (REFB), atlas (CASE), maps (MAP) located on the first floor; Archives (ARCH), Special Collections (RARE) on the second floor; and oversize books (OVER) on all three floors.

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