We Call This Collection to Order: Case Studies in Call Number-Related Planning and Cleanup Projects

Call numbers in our catalogs range from simple, locally assigned numeric sequences to complex alphanumeric configurations using national standards. In the simplest terms, we use them to get from the catalog to the shelf. But, they are so much more than that. Small enough to fit on a 2-inch label, they convey histories of local collections and classification itself. Catalogers assigning call numbers conduct the intellectual exercise of being able to assign only one call number for multidisciplinary or intersectional topics, while grappling with legacies of bias in Library of Congress or Dewey classification. All libraries using homegrown systems--common for special collections, media, and local lending such as laptops--must strive to find a balance between detail and efficiency. We will present a smattering of our work relating to call numbers in some way, including physical inventory of a large specialized branch collection, the collision of call-number-based barcodes with ILS migrations past and future, collection analysis, and questions on thorny classification issues. Lightning talk.