Penn State University Libraries - Dewey Call Numbers -- General Information

Dewey call numbers begin with a two or three digit number that may be followed by uppercase or lowercase letters, decimals, and/or other numbers:

821T25mZr

974.69H921zs 1953

814Em3x1 v.1

For the most part, Dewey numbers run together in The Cat and are input without spaces in the call number, with the exception of a space preceding a date and any volume designation.

Older items having Dewey call numbers may also have an uppercase letter preceding the Dewey number on the binding. This letter is a location indicator, not part of the call number, and is not input in the call number. The location indicators are as follows:

Dewey Location Indicators

D	Architecture Reading Room
G	Engineering
K	Inter-Faith Reading Room
M	Earth & Mineral Sciences
T	Rare Books
TB	Rare Books
W	Physical Sciences
A, B, C, E, FE, H, J, S, V    Pattee Stacks

Occasionally, requests are received by Cataloging Services to catalog items which are marked with Dewey call numbers but which do not have records in The Cat. These items are routinely catalogued and reclassed to LC call numbers. Items going to the Annex at University Park are not reclassed to LC call numbers unless a special request is made to do so.