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McMaster Library Collections

Call Number Guidelines

Accession numbers

McMaster uses accession numbers for various categories of materials. For example:

sound discs (LPs)	MVA 1019
sound cassettes	MVB 650
Sound discs (4 3/4 in.)	MVC 1555
videorecordings	VIDEO 1
DVDs	DVD 1

Note that spoken word sound recordings are subject to LC classification.

For rare books (pre-1800), McMaster's classification system is based primarily on vertical size combined with sequential accession numbers (e.g. A 115, A 116, C 248, C 249). A letter represents the size, and the numbering follows the last number assigned in the catalogue. The letter and corresponding size ranges are:

A = 15 cm. or less	D = 27 cm. - 36 cm.
B = 15 cm. - 22 cm.	E = 36 cm. - 42.5 cm.
C = 22 cm. - 27 cm.	F = 42.5 cm. and longer

Note: There are three categories in rare book cataloguing, based on format, that do not receive any classification whatsoever. These are:

- broadsides (logically for broadsides which are housed flat in cabinets)
- disbounds (for any books which have had the binding removed and are filed in archival envelopes in filing cabinets)
- pre-1800 periodicals (which are shelved in a particular location by title).

Bibliographies

McMaster follows LC practice for the classification of bibliographies. Most bibliographies are classed according to LC's Z classification schedule; whereas music bibliographies fall into the ML 112.8-ML 158.8 call number range. See Policy Regarding Bibliographies in UL Libraries.

Call number ranges M 1 - M 3 (historical sets and collected editions) and ML 95 - ML 96.5 (autographs and facsimiles) inclusive

Items classified here are non-circulating. Circulate second copies only.

Classification numbers for Canadian literary authors with "Mac" and "Mc" surnames

McMaster treats "Mc" as "Mac." The cutter number for the author is determined by the letter after "Mac" or "Mc". This policy was reviewed in May 2005 by the Cataloguing Standards Committee.

Cutters for "Mac" and "Mc" surnames for other materials

For material where classification is not based upon a Canadian literary author, follow LC practice (cutter "Mc" as "Mc" and "Mac" as "Mac" (see Subject Cataloging Manual: Shelflisting, G 100, 12)). If a different pattern has been established in McMaster's catalogue, follow that pattern. If there is a mixture, follow LC for new materials.

Cutters for numerals

Numbers expressed as words are filed alphabetically (e.g. seventy-six trombones). However, numbers expressed in digits (1234) or other notation (XXVII) precede letters and are filed in numerical order. Assign a cutter in the A12-19 range for these entries. Normally, entries beginning with a numeral should appear before entries beginning with the letter A (Cf. Subject Cataloging Manual: Shelflisting, G 60 or G 100). For literary works, where titles for separate works begin filing at A61, titles expressed in digits should file directly after A61 while accounting for numerical order.

If LC has cuttered a title alphabetically, even though its title is expressed in digits, follow LC provided McMaster's call number index does not conflict with this. If a different pattern has been established in McMaster's catalogue, follow that pattern.

Different editions

Keep different editions together by using the same call number. Continue to use the original call number, even if LC does not, when:

- there is a change in authorship - the authors are cited in a different order
- there is a slight change in the title
- a new edition of a textbook falls into a different class number because the item's publication date falls into a different time period
- earlier editions in MORRIS carry an obsolete class number.

Note: There may be exceptions to this policy on a case-by-case basis, requiring consultation with a Cataloguing Librarian or an Original Cataloguer.

Different editions with same imprint date

Use imprint date followed by lower case letter starting with "b" (e.g. .I33 1982, .I33 1982b, .I33 1982c). If working with an LC record which matches your edition, accept the LC 050 regardless of whether or not McMaster carries the other editions with the same imprint date (e.g. LC 050 may read .I33 1982d. McMaster will accept this even if we do not carry other editions with this imprint date).

LC call number ranges which McMaster classifies elsewhere

F in 1000s (Canadian history) reclassed into FC, using Class FC : A Classification for Canadian History
PQ 3900-3919 (French Canadian literature) reclassed into PS 9000s
PR 9180-9199 (English Canadian literature) reclassed into PS 8000s
PZ (fiction and juvenile belles lettres)

LC call numbers previously assigned by McMaster for other works

Add a lower case "z" at the end of the cutter number (e.g. .I33z 1982). Consult with Original Cataloguers or Cataloguing Librarians.

Map classification

The Map Curator provides call numbers for maps that file in drawers in the Map Library. McMaster modifies LC classification, and adds the drawer number to the end of the call number. For example:

G 6700 1994 .M3 (LC)	G 6710 1996 .U5 (LC)
G 6700 1994 MC63D (McMaster)	G 6710 1996 SMF (McMaster)

McMaster Masters Theses

Classification for McMaster's Masters theses (post-2004) includes various components. Each call number begins with the word, "thesis", followed by the 2 letters from the broad classification number assigned to the subject, 2 digits representing the year of convocation, followed by an accession number. For example:
THESIS BF 05 129
THESIS QD 07 024
THESIS PS 05 149

Music

McMaster follows LC classification for scores in conjunction with Richard P. Smiraglia's "Shelflisting music : guidelines for use with the Library of Congress classification, M" (Philadelphia: Music Library Association, 1981).

Popular Reading Collection

This collection, located in the foyer of the Mills Learning Commons, is distinguished from other books in McMaster's collection. Call numbers are simply the first three letters of the author's last name.

Photocopy or facsimile editions

Use the date of the original work or reproduction and add a lower case "a" (e.g. .U54 2001a).

Supplementary material (manuals, supplements, appendices, indexes, workbooks, etc.)

Assign the same call number as the main work plus the appropriate identifying term (e.g. "manual") so that both items shelve together

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