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The Library uses the Library of Congress classification system. If you're not familiar with LC call numbers, they can seem a little confusing, but don't worry: here's a quick explanation of how they work.
| Books are arranged first alphabetically, using the letters at the start of the call number: | LC487 .C43 1994 |
| Then numerically, by the numbers that come directly after the letter. These are read as whole numbers: in other words, 400 comes later than 43. | LC487 .C43 1994 |
| Then alphabetically again, by the letter that comes after the decimal point: | LC487 .C43 1994 |
| Then numerically again, by the number that comes directly after that letter. These are read as decimal numbers: in other words: 55 comes later than 541. | LC487 .C43 1994 |
| There may be another letter-number combination after the one with the decimal point in front of it. If so, you read it the same way: first alphabetically by letter, and then numerically in decimal order. | BX1795 .I57 E83 2000 |
| The four-digit number at the end of the call number is the publication date of the item. | LC487 .C43 1994 |
Want to practice? Try this LC Call Numbers Quiz, provided by the librarians at Western Connecticut State University.
If you want to learn about which subjects are associated with which Library of Congress call numbers, see the Library of Congress Classification Outline.
Alumni Collection
A collection of publications written by alumni of both the Undergraduate College and SGPS. Currently located in the Front Reading Room.
Dr. Charles Cherry First Editions Collection
A collection of First Edition 20th Century American Literature, donated by Dr. Charles Cherry, who taught at Villanova University. Currently located in the Front Reading Room.
Dr. George C. Fago Homer Collection
A collection of various books about Homer as well as a large collection of editions of The Iliad and The Odyssey dated from 1769 through 2017. Donated by Dr. George Fago, who taught psychology at Ursinus College and was a devoted classicist. A bibliography prepared by Professor Tim Jackson is available. Currently located in Room 301.
Francenia Emery African American Book Collection
A collection of titles written by and about African Americans, including many rare books and a signed monograph by Martin Luther King, Jr. Currently located in Room 301.
Institute for Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility Collection
A collection built by Professor Alan Preti to support the work of the Institute. Currently located in Room 304.
Iwilla Literary Press Collection
A collection of items published by Iwilla Press, donated by Ms. Yvonne Chism-Peace '66. Currently located in Room 301.
Mr. & Mrs. Kistler Collection
A collection of books donated to the Library by our primary benefactors, the Kistlers, several of which include their signatures and corresponding gift plates. Currently located in the Front Reading Room.
Paul Ingersoll Signed Publisher's Bindings
A collection of decorative publisher's bindings signed by the bindings' designers. Currently located in the Third Floor Reading Room.
Paul Ingersoll Publisher's Bindings
A collection of unsigned decorative publisher's bindings. Currently located in the Front Reading Room and in Wilson Library, Main Building.
Rare Book Collection
A collection of miscellaneous rare books dating from the 1600s to the present. Currently located in Room 113.
Rare Children's Book Collection
A collection of rare and unusual children's books dating from the 1800s to the present. Currently located in Room 113.
Rosemont Collection
A collection of titles concerning Rosemont College, its founders, and related figures. Currently located in the Front Reading Room.
Yvonne Chism-Peace Women's Poetry Collection
A collection of first edition women's poetry books from the 1970s through the 1990s, which had formed part of the MS library when Ms. Chism-Peace was their poetry editor. Currently located in Room 301.