Library and Internet Skills

How to Search by Call Number

When would you look up a call number?

• If the call number is the only information that you have, you can use it to find out the title and other information about the book.
• You can also look at a range of call numbers, to find books on a topic. This is similar to browsing the shelf, without actually having to physically go there. Generally it is preferable to use the Advanced Search or Subject searching to find items on a topic.

Steps to search by call number

1. Load the library catalogue.
2. Click on the 'Call Number Search' link found on the left of the screen.
3. Enter your call number.
4. Example: TA775 .D2264 2000X
5. Choose a Library to search. In most cases you will not need to set the "type" or "location" fields.

Tips:

• The spacing and punctuation must be correct.
• Capital letters or small letters are okay.
• Include the decimal point, eg., .D2264.

Having Trouble?

• Check for typos, and spacing errors
• It is possible that there may be a mistake in the way the call number was entered in the catalogue. To avoid difficulties resulting from your typos or our catalogue irregularities,  try cutting the call number off shorter. This will find a list of related call numbers. You can then pick the call number you want from the list.

Browsing a call number range

You will notice that the books before and after your title are either by the same author or on similar topics. You could browse the call number range for further titles on this topic. You may also want to use Advanced Search or Subject to find material on a topic.

Skip to how to find books on the shelf.

This page was last updated . Your comments and queries are welcomed.
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