Most academic libraries use the Library of Congress classification system to number books and other materials.   Library of Congress call numbers are arranged alphabetically and numerically.  Read call numbers from left to right, top to bottom.

1.  The first set of letters are alphabetical.   

2.  The second set of numbers are in numerical order.

3.  The next set of letters (after the decimal) are alphabetical.

4.  The next set of numbers are in decimal order.

5.  There may be another line of letters and numbers.  These will be in alphabetical and decimal order.  There may also be a publication date.

For a detailed subject listing of Library of Congress, see the Library of Congress Classification Outline.

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