A call number is a series of letters and numbers that helps you locate a physical item on a library shelf.
College and university libraries use the Library of Congress Classification System (LC) to organize books, DVDs, and more. These call numbers group similar subjects together, which makes browsing easy. If you find a resource on a topic of interest, books nearby might also be of interest. No matter what academic library you visit, your research subject should be in the same call number range.
Tip: Not all books on a topic will be in the same section. Some topics may cross several disciplines and be shelved in different areas. For example, "women artists" might be located under women's studies, fine arts, history, and more, so check multiple sections.