LibAnswers: Library Services (self-help kiosk)

The Library uses the Dewey Decimal Classification system to group items together when they have the same subject. Items are assigned a classification number according to their subject and are shelved in numerical order according to these numbers. Every book on the shelves at Kimberlin and the Law Library is assigned a class number.

The class number is always followed by letters, which represent the first three letters of the author’s surname or the first three letters of the title if there is no author. This helps you to locate a specific book when there are many books on the same subject with the same class number. The books will be shelved in strict class number order and then alphabetically according to the filing suffix.

Our short clip below demonstrates someone looking for a book on the shelf.

You can read more about how the Library books and other materials are organised, and how shelf marks work by visiting the Using the Library Catalogue and Shelfmarks guide.