Library Call Numbers & Classification Quiz

Understanding Library Catalogs and Classification Systems

• 80% of students preferred print textbooks to electronic versions.

Interpreting Common Sayings and Phrases

• The saying 'You can't judge a book by its cover' means that you shouldn't judge someone or something based on appearance alone.

Importance of Book Formats

• The main point of the text is that students have varying preferences for book formats, and libraries need to accommodate these differences.

Navigating Online Catalogs

• The main ways of finding books in an online catalog are by keyword, author, title, and subject.
• The default setting for most online catalogs is a keyword search.
• Limiters are used in online catalog searches to narrow down results by factors like date, format, and language.

Searching by Author and Subject

• The general rule for searching by author in an online catalog is to use the last name of the author.
• The Library of Congress determines the official list of standard acceptable subject headings for library material.

Understanding Classification Systems

• Cross-references in a library catalog connect related subjects and help users find related materials.
• If a library catalog does not have a subject heading you are searching for, an alternative search method is to use keywords or browse the shelves.
• Understanding classification systems used in libraries helps users navigate and find materials efficiently.

Dewey Decimal and Library of Congress Classification Systems

• The Dewey Decimal Classification system is used in smaller public libraries and schools, and has 10 broad categories for nonfiction books.
• The Library of Congress Classification system is used in larger public institutions and most academic libraries, and its purpose is to organize materials by subject.
• In both classification systems, the call number of a book is determined by the book's subject matter.

Reading Formats and Future of Books

• The text suggests that books may be read in various formats in the future, but does not mention reading books on the moon.
• The text emphasizes the importance of accommodating different learning styles and formats over the format of the book itself.

Additional Library Information

• The HD area in the library can be found by searching the online catalog or asking a librarian.
• Many books have long call numbers with digits, letters, and decimals because they are classified using the Library of Congress Classification system.
• A book about the psychology of women would most likely be classified in the BF section of the Dewey Decimal Classification system.
• The advantage of using the online catalog to find e-books is that it provides easy access to these materials.

Test your knowledge of library call numbers and classification systems like Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) and Library of Congress Classification. Learn how to find a book's call number based on its subject and author.