Skip to Main Content

Shelving LibGuide: Cutter Numbers

This LibGuide uses the Library of Congress Classification Scheme to shelve to items and maintain collections.

1

The second component of a LC call number is the Cutter Number, sometimes called the author number. 

It usually begins with a decimal point and consists of a series of letters and numbers. 

3

Cutter numbers may be Single: 

.R44                  .R47

A single Cutter Number begins with a decimal point, has a letter and one or more numbers. 

A Cutter Number may also be Double:

                                    .B8N39            .B8N4            .B82A5 

2

Lets look at the order given to books in the classes F21: 

The order of the call numbers above shows that numerals in the Cutter Numbers are treated as Decimals rather than Whole Numbers.

4

For example, in the biography section for composers (ML410), the biographies of Bob Marley are grouped by using the Cutter number ".M3313" 

                      

These biographies are further ordered through the use of double Cutter Number. The second alpha-numeric sequence represents the names of the authors of the biographies. 

         .M3313W5 - Catch a fire the life of Bob Marley by White: (the "W" in the cutter number represents Cecile"

         .M3313F37 - Before the Legend: the rise of Bob Marley by Farley: (the "F" in the cutter number represents Farley)