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Children's Literature

A guide to resources for locating and researching children's literature

Reading Dewey call numbers

The Children's Literature collection in the University Library is shelved in Dewey Decimal System order. Below is an example of how to read a Dewey call number.

How to read a dewey call number.

Image Source: Sierra College Library, https://www.sierracollege.edu/library/searchpath/glossary/callnumber.html

Example call number: 

333.79

S641

Read numbers digit by digit. Read the number after the decimal as a decimal: .79 comes before .8. "Nothing" comes before something; .1 comes before .11. The second line of the call number is a combination of letters and numbers. Read the letter alphabetically and the number as a decimal. Sometimes there is a date at the end of a call number. Read dates chronologically.

Can't find a book on the shelf? Please contact the library service desk (323-343-3988).

Other relevant research guides

Off-campus access to databases

Cal State LA University Library
California State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032-8300
323-343-3988