Classification
Library of Congress Call Number Guide
LC call numbers have a structure that cannot be inferred from a surname alone. A useful first step is to separate the reviewed classification portion from subsequent filing and date components before entering anything into a label tool.
Read the structure before reformatting
The Library of Congress provides classification schedules, training, and shelflisting instructions through its classification resources. Consult the relevant schedule for the kind of material you are handling. A Cutter-like segment may represent a topic or another subdivision rather than the author.
QA76.73.J38
B47
2026This is an illustrative structure, not an assigned call number for the fictional workbook elsewhere in these guides. QA76.73.J38 is shown as a classification portion that already contains a Cutter segment. B47 represents a separately reviewed filing mark. Copying only QA76.73 into a form would discard information from that example.
What LC mode means in this application
In the generator, LC Letters and LC Number are separate inputs. For the structural example above, the letters are QA and the number field contains 76.73.J38. Options control the dot before the generated author mark and the way letters and numbers appear on the label.
The important limitation is that the automatic author mark still comes from the bundled Cutter-Sanborn lookup. It does not use the LC short Cutter table, consult class-specific instructions, or inspect the shelflist. The example B47 is therefore a reviewed placeholder, not a promised result from this application. If the required mark differs from the generated value, use a label workflow that accepts the verified complete number.
Check before adding another Cutter
Start from the complete source number and identify the role of each segment. When importing a record, ask whether the input already contains the author Cutter. Adding a second generated author mark after it can produce a convincing-looking but incorrect label.
- Read the full assigned number in the source record.
- Identify which part is classification and which part is the final filing mark.
- Check any class-specific instructions and the local shelflist.
- Compare the proposed display character by character with the approved number.
- Resolve a mismatch before printing rather than accepting the tool output by default.
Keep local changes visible to staff
Suppose a source record provides a number that conflicts with your local sequence. Record the reason for any adjustment in the place your institution uses for staff decisions. That note should identify the affected sequence and the approved replacement, rather than merely saying “changed Cutter.”
A future cataloger may see the same source record and otherwise undo the correction. The combination of a reviewed number, a clear local note, and a matching physical label is more durable than a one-time formatting fix.
Frequently asked questions
Does choosing LC make the generated author mark authoritative?
No. It changes formatting while retaining the Cutter-Sanborn lookup. Review LC Cutters independently.
Can an LC number contain more than one Cutter?
Yes. Interpret their roles from the schedule and shelflisting instructions rather than assuming all of them represent authors.
References and further reading
Official references support the standards discussed here. Worked examples and local workflow suggestions are instructional illustrations.