Library Technician how-to

How to Shelve Books by Call Number

Accurate shelving makes items findable.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Accurate shelving makes items findable. In short: sort; find; read, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Sort books by call number on a cart.

  2. Find the right section.

  3. Read call numbers left to right.

  4. Place books in exact order.

  5. Keep spines even.

  6. Shelf-read nearby items.

Safety reminders for library technicians

  • Lift book boxes properly
  • Use step stools safely
  • Protect patron privacy
  • Know emergency procedures

Circulation · Hold · Barcode · Call number · Dewey Decimal System · Cataloging: see the full library technician glossary.

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