SatchLCall -
Library of Congress Call Number
System Tutorial

There may be some forthcoming updates to the applet. Since many libraries split numbers like "BF121" into two separate lines ("BF" and "121"), the slide show may incorporate such information into the presentation. Also, there may be an option to specify call numbers for certain subjects. For example, if you wish to use SatchLCall to train students to shelve books in an engineering library, you could set a parameter in the HTML file so that the example books in the drag and drop quiz start mostly with TKs.

What is SatchLCall?

satchel - A small bag; esp. a bag for carrying schoolbooks...¹

SatchLCall (pronounced "satchel call") is a tutorial that explains shelving according to the Library of Congress Call Number System. It consists of a slide show, followed by a Java applet that allows patrons to drag and drop books onto a virtual bookshelf to test how well they learned the system. It is designed to teach shelving skills. It does not attempt to cover the rules, meanings, and methods of the LC Classification System.

SatchLCall has two "flavors:" basic and complete.

The basic version covers material up to and including the first Cutter Number. The quiz then only tests on that knowledge. SatchLCall in basic mode would probably be most appropriate for smaller libraries, public libraries, or anywhere a quick and cursory introduction to the LC system is needed.

The complete incarnation of SatchLCall addresses second Cutters, dates, copy numbers, volume numbers, size designations, and location designations. Examples in the quiz applet in complete mode cover all of these topics. This more advanced tutorial could be targeted at academic libraries, or be used to train pages or other library staff.

This product is provided free of charge, and therefore on an "as is" basis, without warranty of any kind, including without limitation the warranties that it is free of defects or fit for any particular purpose.

SatchLCall is freeware but is not public domain. Copyright© 2000 Michael Ford and the University of Pittsburgh.

1. Simpson, J. A., & Weiner, E. S. C. (1989). The Oxford English Dictionary (2nd ed., vols. 1-20). New York: Oxford University Press.