Call numbers are the combinations of letters and numbers (alpha-numeric "codes") libraries place on the spines of books and other materials to indicate where the item is shelved in the library. When you search for an item in the library's catalog, you will find its call number on its catalog record.

Most call numbers at APL begin with a two- to eight-letter location code. These location codes indicate broad types of materials that are shelved together in the library. For instance, a call number that begins with the code "FIC" means the item is located in the Fiction collection; one that begins with "JUV" means the item is located in the Children's area. (For a list of the most common of these location codes, see below.)

Items that begin with a regular call number (such as BL 624, or T 330, or HQ 1421) without one of these location codes are adult nonfiction materials and are shelved in the adult nonfiction section.

APL shelves its nonfiction materials according to the Library of Congress classification system. This system assigns a broad subject area to each letter of the alphabet. For a list of the subject areas assigned to each letter, click here.

As you record an item's call number, also note the Location and Status fields to its left and right. The Location field provides additional information about where the item is located in the library; the Status field tells whether the item is available on the shelf, is checked out, or is non-circulating.

Fiction (FIC), Nonfiction, Children's (JUV), and Young Adult (YA):

Four of the largest groupings of materials in the library are adult fiction (FIC), adult nonfiction, children's (JUV), and young adult (YA).

Fiction books (in both the adult and children's areas) are shelved in alphabetical order by authors' last names. Nonfiction materials (in both the adult and children's areas) are shelved in order by their Library of Congress call numbers (see above).

In the children's area, several different types of materials are shelved in their own sections. Some of these include fiction, nonfiction, audiovisual materials, fairy tales, and paperbacks. The item's call number will indicate not only that the item is found in the children's area (JUV), but also in which section of the children's area it may be found.

Similarly, different types of materials are shelved in their own sections within the young adult area. Some of these include fiction, graphic novels, and paperbacks in different genres, such as mystery, fantasy, biography, and classics.

If you need help locating an item within the library, please ask the nearest staff member.

APL call number location codes:

Some of the location codes most commonly used in APL call numbers to indicate broad material types that are shelved together are: