ISBN or Call number -- what's the difference?

Every edition of a book has a unique number (the 13 digit ISBN), just as you have a unique social security number or student id number.  A library book has a call number that represents its' home location on the library's shelves, just as you have a home address where you live.  Different editions of a book can have the same call number, just like your family members can have the same home address.  Your social security number will not help someone find out where you live, and neither will the ISBN help you find a book on the shelf.  The call number is the only number that tells you where to find a book on the shelf.  The call number consists of a Dewey classification number and a Cutter number, which is the second line on the book's spine label and serves to arrange books alphabetically within a classification number.  In our library, fiction books will not have a Dewey number, but will have FIC before the Cutter number.

When you want to find a book, be sure to look at the bottom of the catalog record screen and copy down the call number and location.  The location will give you the general location of the item (reference, stacks, college collection, videos, etc.) and the call number will give you the specific shelf location.