CUL - Main Content

A Call Number Exact search locates an item by its unique identification number. The call number represents an item's subject matter and indicates the location on the shelf where the item can be found. Call Number Exact searches will result in a list of call numbers matching the number you have entered. From the list you can select an individual title by clicking on the record number. If you search for a call number for which there is only one match, the record for that item will be displayed.

Columbia uses several types of call numbers to organize books and other materials by subject or shelf location.

Use a Call Number Exact search for any of the following:

• Library of Congress (LC) call numbers (the most commonly used).
• Dewey Decimal call numbers.
• Local call number systems (such as that used by the Avery Library).
• Superintendent of Documents (SuDoc) numbers used for U.S. government documents.
• Microform call numbers.

Select Call Number Exact from the search options and enter as much of the number as you know. Complete or partial numbers may be entered. Enter spaces and decimal points where they exist in the call number. Letters can be entered in lower case.

Boolean Searches and Search Limits do not function in a Call Number Search.

When you have found the record for an item in CLIO, you may click on the call number in the record to get a list of records for items with similar call numbers.

To find a call number in a specific library, click on the guide to the left of the library location. The guide will tell you where the library is located, and in many cases includes a shelving guide by call number.