Call Numbers for books located in the nonfiction section in Children's Services, and throughout the Fall River Public Library, consist of two distinct parts. There is the Dewey number that represents the subject of the book found at the top, and below that is the Cutter number representing the individual book. In the past, when you have selected nonfiction, you may have noticed these numbers but were unaware of the purpose that they served.
As explained on the previous page, Dewey numbers provide libraries with a numerical classification system that allows us to shelve books on the same subject together. The addition of a cutter number allows us to then organize those subject's books in alphabetical order by the author's last names.
"Let's Explore Oceans"
By: Lisa Bullard
J551.46 books about the Ocean
Bullard = B935
J551.46
B935
You may find yourself wondering why Cutter numbers matter when a book already has a Dewey number to indicate where it goes. The example image below illustrates why they are so important!
Example
J599.575 is the Dewey number for books about lions. As seen above, there are multiple books on this topic currently circulating in the Children's Room. If these books only had a Dewey number searching for "Lions" by Claire Archer would be much harder because 4 books would have the exact same call number. The addition of the Cutter number makes it much easier to pick out the book you want by allowing for organization in alphabetical order by the author's last name.
Sometimes, a Cutter number will include more than one letter with one at the beginning and 1 or 2 at the end. This is done in cases where an author has more than one book published on a topic that has the same Dewey and Cutter Number. The letters at the end of the number correspond to the title of the book so that all those materials can still be organized in alphabetical order!
All shelves used for Children's Nonfiction are clearly labeled by topic on the lower right hand corner!
Ghost Liners
by
