Two very tangible results of the work of the Library of Congress are the Subject Headings and the Classification Schedules which enable libraries around the world to organize, manage, and locate resources within the smallest or the largest collections. The Classification Schedule uses a combination of letters and numbers to create book categories. These categories arrange similar subjects together on the shelf. All classification systems are simply devices to help users locate specific works. The call number is the same for the same book in any library which uses LC Classification and applies regardless of whether the book is placed in circulation, reference, oversize, or elsewhere.

Books are shelved in alphabetical order by the letter(s) on the top line . . .

Only circulating books may be checked out.  The libraries also have books that are in special collections or locations. All books listed in the Online Catalog and in the Library Handbook are housed in McGill Library. References to Sci Lib are no longer relevent as the Mack Science Library was closed in May 2010.

· Reference Books (REF) - books you may use in the reference room, but are not to be checked out.  They are located in the Reference Room on the first floor of McGill Library.

· Juvenile Books (JUV) - a collection of children’s literature and are located on the first floor of McGill Library.  These books may be checked out.

· Oversize Books (OV) - books that are too large to fit on the standard shelf.  These books are shelved on the ground floor.  Most oversize books may be checked out.

· Community College Bookshelf (CCB) - books that are current fiction and non-fiction of general interest. These books are located in the Williamson Room on the first floor of the library.

· Special Collections (SPEC COLL) - books that are rare or unique and are shelved in the Miller Board Room of McGill Library.  These books may not be checked out.