Non-Fiction Call Numbers

Non-fiction call numbers consist of a number (001 to 999 with some possible decimals) and some letters. The numbers represent subjects and the letters usually mean the author's last name, though there are exceptions.

Keep in mind a basic fact about decimals - you can mentally add zeros after the digits in the decimal area if you need to. So 55.1 is the same as 55.10 is the same as 55.100.

To put these items in order, start by arranging the part to the left of the decimal point; if that part is the same in two call numbers, then work with the part to the right of the decimal (adding those zeros if needed); and if THAT is the same, then use the letters.