LC Call Numbers - Colon

What is this?

Most LC call numbers should not have colon characters, but sometimes they do.

Why is this trouble?

A call number with a colon may be an indicator that some other type of call number (like SuDoc) has been marked as an LC call number:

  • LC 2.2:C 93/2
  • Y 4.P 27/1:P 78/2/pt.1

A colon in a call number may be added or converted from other character in error, for example:

  • F869.B5 : G55 2016 (should be F869.B5 G55 2016 )
  • M1108 .B27 B:maj. 1982 (should be M1108 .B27 B♭ maj. 1982)

A colon may also appear in members of sets or series with complicated enumeration, and may not be clear:

  • DS102 .P35 v.2:2
  • KF210 .C66 ser.1:no.3
  • J87.K4 A2 1910:Feb.

Exceptions

Some parts of the G schedule use a colon to specify subject matter of maps.

  • G3804 .N4:2M3 1978 .I5
  • G1254.N7:3B7 1912

Colons in numbering are also common in call numbers for music:

  • M469 .H39 H:I,97 2006
  • M1020 .Q3 QV 5:218 2015

How to Find

If you are in Alma, there is an analysis to search for this issue in the "Looking for Trouble" folder. Go to the "LC Call Numbers" folder and look for the "Colon" analysis.

If you can search or filter your call numbers by regular expression, use the expression /^[^GM].*:/.