Question

Q: How are books organized in the library?

Answer

We use the Library of Congress Classification system here at the KSU Library System. While most colleges and universities use this system, you may be used to the Dewey Decimal System from your high school or public library.

How this works:

Classified first by collection type:

  • Reference (Sturgis/Kennesaw: 3rd Floor)
  • General Collection (Sturgis/Kennesaw: 2nd Floor)
  • Teen Literature (Sturgis/Kennesaw: 3rd Floor)

Second by subjects with call numbers:

  • Alphabetical: (A-Z) Each letter representing a subject with subcategories
  • Numerical: (1 - 9999) further classifying each subcategory 

Here is an example: Sturgis General Collection -  PS 1861 .C75

Now let's break it down.

Sturgis General Collection: The Sturgis Library Floor Map tells me this is on the 2nd floor.

PS:  Ordered alphabetically by first letter (P) then second letter (PR, PS, PT).

1861: Then by a whole number.

.C75: Finally another letter and a decimal number

As you can see in the image below, PS 1861 .C75 would be located between PS 1853 .C74 and PS 1868 .N38.

Example image 

For more information

 


For more help, call or visit:

Kennesaw: Sturgis Library Checkout Desk (Ground floor) 470-578-6202

Marietta: Johnson Library Checkout Desk (1st floor) 470-578-7276

Last Updated

Last Updated

Aug 12, 2022

Chat

Research Help

Research Help 

Librarian Online Chat: 24 hours/day, 7 days/week
 
Call Us
470-578-6202
 

Schedule a Research Consultation