Here is a call number for one of our books using the Library of Congress Classification System:
DS
559.44
.S57
1992
Call numbers begin with one or two letters and are organized alphabetically on the shelves. These letters describe the general subject of a book. (DS = History of Asia)
The second line is a number, which gives more detail on the specific subject matter of the item. This line is read numerically. (559.44 = Vietnamese Conflict)
The third line often represents the author's last name, and read as a decimal. (S = Smith)
The last line is the date of publication and is read chronologically. (1992)