Before assigning a call number, Cataloguers need to check the shelf list.
When assigning a LC call number:
- Check if the classification number is the same as existing call numbers with the same subject.
- If the cutter number already exist in the catalogue for a different author or title, then cataloguers should modify the cutter number to differentiate them.
- If the same author’s other works are already in the catalogue, catalogues should assign the same cutter number for the same author.
- Try to choose the proper cutter number so that titles are shelved alphabetically, or chronologically.
When assigning a Dewey call number for Juvenile non-fiction:
- Check if the classification number is the same as existing call numbers with the same subject.
- If the first three letters in author’s last name or title (if no author) is already exist, change the last letter to the first different letter between the two author or title.
- If two books are in hand and the authors or titles (if no author) are the same in the first three letter, take the first two letters and add the first different letter.
When assigning a Cutter-Sanborn number for juvenile fiction:
- If the first two letters in author’s last name or title (if no author) is already exist in the catalogue, change the last letter to the first different letter between the two authors or titles.
- If two books are in hand and the two authors or titles (if no author) are the same in the first three letter, take the first two letters and add the first different letter.
There are two ways to check shelf list, in ALMA or in Omni.
1. In ALMA
In menu “Search & Browse”, click “Browse Shelf Listing”
Choose Call Number Level as “Holding call number”.
Choose the proper Call Number Type:
- Library of Congress classification
- Dewey Decimal classification (For Juvenile non-fiction)
- Other scheme (Cutter-Sanborn number for juvenile fiction)
Leave “Library” and “Location” blank.
Enter the call number. Date is not needed.
The new call number will be placed before the first call number in the search result. Turn to previous page to see what the previous call number is and if the new cutter number is in an appropriate shelf position.
2. In Omni
Switch to Advanced Search, click “Browse” in menu. And search for “York Universities”.
Browse by call number.
The new call number will be placed before the first call number in the search result. Turn to previous page to see what the previous call number is and if the new cutter number is in an appropriate shelf position.
