📚 Circulation: Straightening Books on the Shelves

📚 Tips & Tricks for Straightening and Reshelving Books

Using the Library of Congress Call Number System

Keeping library shelves neat and organized helps patrons find materials easily and protects the collection. Here’s how to do it right:

📏 Straightening Shelves

• Align Books
  Push books flush with the edge of the shelf. Use bookends to keep them upright and prevent leaning.

• Tidy Gaps
  Evenly space books to avoid overcrowding or tipping.

• Face Out Damaged Books
  Turn books with torn covers, loose pages, or other damage outward and report them to library staff.

• Check Shelf Labels
  Make sure books are in the correct section before reshelving or straightening.

• Use a Step Stool for High Shelves
  Never climb on furniture — safety first!

📘 Reshelving Books by LC Call Number

1. Alphabetical First

   • Example: QA comes before QB, QC, etc.

2. Whole Numbers Next

   • Example: QA76 comes before QA100

3. Decimal Filing

   • Example: QA76.1 comes before QA76.73

4. Cutter Numbers

   • Example: .J38 comes before .J4 (file digit by digit)

5. Year or Volume

   • Example: 2020 comes after 2015
   • Volume 1 comes before Volume 2

✅ Before You Start

• Know the LC Call Number Format
  Example: QA76.73 .J38 2020

  • QA – Subject area
  • 76.73 – Whole number and decimal
  • .J38 – Cutter number
  • 2020 – Year

• Use a Book Cart
  Place books spine-up and in order before heading to the shelves.

• Ask When Unsure
  LC call numbers can be tricky — it’s okay to double-check!