liminfoLC Classification
Free reference guide: LC Classification
About LC Classification
The LC Classification Reference provides a complete, searchable guide to the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system, the predominant classification scheme used in academic and research libraries worldwide. It covers all 21 main classes from A (General Works) through Z (Bibliography and Library Science), with detailed subclass breakdowns showing how each discipline is organized into specific call number ranges.
Each main class entry includes hierarchical subclass listings with their corresponding notation ranges. For example, under Q (Science) you can find QA75-76 for Computer Science, QC for Physics, and QD for Chemistry. The reference also covers practical topics such as Cutter number assignment for constructing complete call numbers, Korean studies classification ranges (DS901-937 for Korean history, PL901-998 for Korean language), and the Classification Web online search tool.
Beyond the schedules themselves, this reference includes a comparison of LCC versus DDC (Dewey Decimal Classification), explaining the structural differences between the alpha-numeric enumerative approach of LCC and the purely numeric synthetic approach of DDC. It also discusses the characteristics, advantages, and limitations of LCC, making it useful for cataloging professionals, library science students, and researchers navigating large academic collections.
Key Features
- Complete coverage of all 21 LCC main classes (A through Z) with subclass detail
- Searchable and filterable entries organized by class groups: A-E, G-N, P-Z, and General Info
- Detailed subclass breakdowns showing specific notation ranges for each discipline
- Cutter number assignment guide with call number construction examples like QA76.73.P98 W45 2024
- Korean studies classification reference including DS901-937, PL901-998, KPA, and JQ1720-1729
- LCC vs DDC comparison covering notation systems, classification philosophy, and library adoption
- Bilingual Korean-English content with locale-aware automatic switching
- Classification Web and LC online tools reference for professional catalogers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Library of Congress Classification (LCC)?
LCC is a classification system developed by the Library of Congress that uses a combination of letters and numbers to organize library materials by subject. It has 21 main classes designated by single letters (A-Z, excluding I, O, W, X, Y), with subclasses using two-letter combinations and further numeric subdivisions. It is primarily used in academic and research libraries in the United States and internationally.
How do I read an LCC call number?
An LCC call number consists of three parts: the classification number (letters plus numbers indicating the subject), the Cutter number (a letter-number combination representing the author or specific work), and often the publication year. For example, QA76.73.P98 W45 2024 breaks down as QA76.73.P98 (Python programming under Computer Science), W45 (author Cutter), and 2024 (year).
What is the difference between LCC and DDC?
LCC uses an alpha-numeric notation with 21 main classes and is enumerative (lists subjects explicitly), while DDC uses pure numbers with 10 main classes and is synthetic (builds numbers through combination). LCC is predominantly used in academic and research libraries, while DDC is more common in public libraries and internationally. LCC provides more detailed subdivisions but is considered less theoretically systematic.
Where are Korean materials classified in LCC?
Korean materials appear in several LCC ranges: Korean history is at DS901-937, Korean language at PL901-998, Korean literature at PL980-998, Korean law at KPA, Korean politics at JQ1720-1729, Korean economics at HC467-470, and Korean education at LA1270-1279.
How many main classes does LCC have?
LCC has 21 main classes, each designated by a single letter of the alphabet: A (General Works), B (Philosophy/Religion), C-F (History), G (Geography), H (Social Sciences), J (Political Science), K (Law), L (Education), M (Music), N (Fine Arts), P (Language/Literature), Q (Science), R (Medicine), S (Agriculture), T (Technology), U (Military Science), V (Naval Science), and Z (Bibliography). The letters I, O, W, X, and Y are not used as main classes.
What is a Cutter number in LCC?
A Cutter number is a code using a letter followed by numbers that typically represents the author's surname or a specific subject subdivision within a call number. It is derived from Cutter tables and ensures that works on the same subject are arranged alphabetically by author on library shelves. The Cutter number follows the classification number and precedes the publication year.
Is this reference suitable for library science students?
Yes, this reference is designed for both practicing catalogers and library science students. It covers the full LCC schedule structure, Cutter number construction, the distinction between LCC and DDC, and practical details about Classification Web. The bilingual format also makes it useful for Korean library science programs.
Does this reference cover the full LCC schedule?
This reference provides a comprehensive overview of all 21 main classes with their primary subclass breakdowns, but it is not a complete reproduction of the full LCC schedules, which span thousands of pages. It serves as a practical quick-reference showing the most commonly used subclasses, classification ranges, and supplementary information for everyday cataloging and collection navigation.