LC Call Numbers - Dot Letter End

What is this?

One pattern that can show up in LC call numbers in catalogs is a dot followed by a capital letter at the end of a call number, like this:

  • CB83 .S
  • JC143 .M

Why is this trouble?

A call number like this in the catalog may have been truncated during a migration or some other process, and may no longer match the call number on the physical book. For example, if the catalog says CB83 .S, the book's label may actually say CB83 .S63 1939, making it more difficult to find on the shelf. If a book with a call number like this appears to be missing from the shelf, check the bibliographic record in the catalog, or the record in Library of Congress or OCLC for alternate call numbers to check.

Such call numbers may also just be incomplete, having just a letter here instead of a full cutter. These are not well-formed LC call numbers, but if the call number on the book's label matches the catalog, it isn't likely to cause confusion for shelvers or shelflists (it will just move to the beginning of call numbers with that base and cutter). Depending on time and resources, it may still be worth assigning a full call number and re-labeling.

Exceptions

A call number matching this pattern is not always a bad call number. If a set or series has parts (or subseries) that are enumerated with capital letters, this may result in fine call numbers matching this pattern, like:

  • QE71 .G48 1986 v.A
  • QE287.6 .S750 Ser.H

If a set has been enumerated with Roman numerals, this may also result in fine call numbers matching this pattern, like:

  • DA304 .C4 v.I
Roman numerals may cause confusion for shelvers (v.II looks similar to v.11) and for computers (v.IX sorts before v.V) so it may be good to convert to standard numerals in call numbers if time and resources permit.

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 "Dot Letter End" analysis.

If you can search or filter your call numbers by regular expression, use the expression /\.[A-Z]$/.