Browse Astronomy Books by Call Number
To browse books on subjects in astronomy, use the links below to go to the page in the catalog on which a subclass begins. Due to restrictions on linking to a range of different call numbers in the Classic Catalog, you may have to scroll down to find the first book on a given subject.
- Catalog Schedule for Subclass QB (Astronomy)The full schedule of Library of Congress call number ranges for all topics and subtopics in Astronomy (22 pages).
Browse Physics Books by Call Number
To browse books on subjects in physics, use the links below to go to the page in the catalog on which a subclass begins. Due to restrictions on linking to a range of different call numbers in the Classic Catalog, you may have to scroll down to find the first book on a given subject.
- QC 170-197 Atomic physics. Constitution and properties of matter.Including molecular physics, relativity, quantum theory, and solid state physics.
- QC 851-999 Meteorology. ClimatologyIncluding the Earth's atmosphere.
- Catalog Schedule for Subclass QC (Physics)The full schedule of Library of Congress call number ranges for all topics and subtopics in Physics (76 pages).
What Are Call Numbers?
Washington University Libraries uses the Library of Congress Classification System (LC) to group books according to subject on library shelves. Each book has a unique call number, which acts as the book's address - it tells you exactly where to find the book on the shelf.
Most books in Astronomy (QB) and Physics (QC) will be found on Level B of the Olin Library.
What Do Call Numbers Mean?
LC call numbers divide books into classes, subclasses, topics, and subtopics.
For example, QED : the strange theory of light and matter by Richard Feynman has the call number: QC793.5.P422 F48 2006.
QED: the strange theory of light and matter by Call Number: QC793.5.P422 F48 2006ISBN: 0691127174Publication Date: 2006-04-24
On the book spine, the call number would appear like this:
QC
793.5
.P422
F48
2006
| QC |
is the class and subclass. Q is Science and QC is Physics.
|
| 793.5 |
is the classification number for the subject. 793.5 is Elementary particle physics.
|
| .P422 |
is a combination of letters and numbers that usually represents the author or publisher's name.
|
| F48 |
When there are multiple codes, the last code usually indicates the author. F48 is Richard Feynman.
|
| 2006 |
is the year of publication, and identifies separate editions of a text.
|