Classification of Material in the Library: Call number = Classification Number

A call number can be a random number, but in modern libraries the call number is a classification number.

LC (Library of Congress) Classification System:  Used by HKUST Library!

It was created by the Library or Congress in the USA. Most university and research libraries in North America use it. Here is an outline of the LC Classification from the LC's own home page.  Here's a link to the detailed lists.

Classification numbers are built in Dewey, they are assigned in LC.

Both systems try to bring together similar items.The similarity is based on the following criteria:

1. "What it's about?" - subject
2. "Who wrote (composed, acted, etc.) it?" - author
3. "What's it called?" - title

 Classification in Hong Kong Public libraries?

• Chinese books use  a system based on 中國圖書分類法 ( "A System of Book Classification for Chinese Libraries") by LIU Guojun
•  English books use the Dewey Classification System.  An outline of Dewey Classification categories is available from OCLC.
•  

Chinese books in Hong Kong Public library are organizaed according to

Basic Outline of LC Classification is listed below. The links will bring you to the detailed outline for each letter.

A - General works

B - Philosophy, Psychology, Religion

C - Auxiliary Sciences of History (e.g., numismatics or genealogy)

D- World History & the History of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, etc. (DS = Asia)

E and F - History of the Americas

G - Geography, Anthropology, Recreation

H - Social Sciences (including Economics)

J - Political Science

K - Law

L - Education

M - Music

N - Art & Architecture

P - Language & Literature

Q - Science & Math

R - Medicine

S - Agriculture

T - Technology & Engineering

U - Military Science

V - Naval Science

Z - Library Science, Publishing, Bibliography, Information Sources