Definitions & Message Explanations

Call Numbers

A call number helps locate an item by its unique identification number. This number indicates the location on the shelf where the item can be found. Several different call number systems are used in the KU Libraries.

Call Number Type	Example
Library of Congress	PQ3803.G3 B3 1970
Dewey	301.42 B413m 1963
Brief Numbers	Brief 99-00030
U.S. Documents	LC 2.2::Un 3/4/supp.
Map	3952.R4 9 126 1981
Kansas Collelction	RH B1117
Special Collections	D1070
Thesis	Thesis 1999 A366
Dissertation	Diss 2000 A253

Although the Online Catalog supports the searching of all types of call numbers, searching for Library of Congress and Dewey call numbers is most reliable. Other types of call number searches may result in inaccurate search results. If you have trouble finding what you want by a call number search, please ask for assistance at a service desk. If no call number is present in the record, a message will display in place of the call numbers.

Messages Appearing in the Call Number Field

Linked Resources: Online version (see below for additional information)

This title is available online. To access it, scroll down the record and click the hyperlinked address. Please inform library staff if the link does not work.

No Call Number

This item may be on order or is not shelved by call number. Check to see if the item is "shelved by title" or has additional information in the location and status areas of the display. Please ask at the service desk for further assistance.

Shelved by Title

This title does not have a call number or library shelving number. It is shelved in alphabetical order by its title.