Basic Searches: Call Number

Each item in TRELLIS has a unique call number, which can be searched.

 

Note: Some electronic resources do not have Call numbers. These records have an asterisk ( * ) instead.

Call numbers can take several forms but the two most common types are:

1. Library of Congress (LC) call numbers
   These alpha/numeric combinations are given to books, reports, journals, and electronic databases based on their subject matter.
   Examples:
   • DG286.G73
   • E13.F5x
   • NC1355.M27 1981

   For a look at the broad LC call number listings, see Library of Congress Classification Outline.

   For help in reading and understanding LC Call numbers, see York University's Understanding Call Numbers page

2. Government document (Codoc) call numbers
   Examples:
• CA1  LC  98C71
• UN2  A24  91P56

More details on how government document call numbers work are provided at each home institution's website:

• University of Guelph
• University of Waterloo
• Wilfrid Laurier University

 

Other types of call numbers identify slides, sound recordings, rare books, and microform materials.

Search Tips:

• Punctuation is important. Use a period in Library of Congress numbers, e.g., QM 23.2
• Leave a space before a date designation, e.g., PR 6000.A6Q5 1942
• You can retrieve a list of books on a subject area by typing in the first few letters/numbers of the LC call number that pertain to that subject, e.g., hf5387 will retrieve a list of all books in TRELLIS that relate to business ethics.

Known "Bug": Spacing within call numbers is sometimes needed, sometimes not. You may need to try a number of ways to get the results you want. For example, rc552.e18  w48 will retrieve the UG item, but rc552.e18w48 will retrieve a different record showing the book is also at WLU and UW.

NOTE: "Limits" cannot be used when searching by call number.