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.