Library of Congress Classification
System
Who uses? - answer Used by most academic libraries to organize books and other
materials
Classification system - answer Consists of 21 categories, each one is assigned a letter
of the alphabet
Some specific classifications have 2-3 letter combinations
Library of Congress letter-number combination assigned to a shelf matches the call
number on the book spines in that section
Why - answer Academic libraries give a call number to each book or resource, which is
documented in the catalog records
Allows fo efficient storing/finding of materials
Search Tip - answerWhen searching for resources in a library, pay attention to books on
the next shelf; they may shed additional light on your subject
Electronic databases may also offer the option of "searching shelves' neat the text you
have selected
Letter Categoires - answerA. General works (includes encyclopedias, almanacs,
indexes)
B-BJ. Philosophy, Psychology
BL-BX. Religion
C. History
D. History
E-F. History
G. Geography
H. Social Science
J. Political Science
K. Law (General)
KD. Law of United Kingdom and Ireland
KE. Law of Canada
KF. Law of United Sates
L. Education
M. Music
N. Fine Arts (includes architecture, sculpture, painting, drawing)
System
Who uses? - answer Used by most academic libraries to organize books and other
materials
Classification system - answer Consists of 21 categories, each one is assigned a letter
of the alphabet
Some specific classifications have 2-3 letter combinations
Library of Congress letter-number combination assigned to a shelf matches the call
number on the book spines in that section
Why - answer Academic libraries give a call number to each book or resource, which is
documented in the catalog records
Allows fo efficient storing/finding of materials
Search Tip - answerWhen searching for resources in a library, pay attention to books on
the next shelf; they may shed additional light on your subject
Electronic databases may also offer the option of "searching shelves' neat the text you
have selected
Letter Categoires - answerA. General works (includes encyclopedias, almanacs,
indexes)
B-BJ. Philosophy, Psychology
BL-BX. Religion
C. History
D. History
E-F. History
G. Geography
H. Social Science
J. Political Science
K. Law (General)
KD. Law of United Kingdom and Ireland
KE. Law of Canada
KF. Law of United Sates
L. Education
M. Music
N. Fine Arts (includes architecture, sculpture, painting, drawing)
