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.
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.
WashU 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.
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 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.
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