The University of Kentucky Libraries uses the Library of Congress Classification System (LCC) to assign call numbers to most print materials--books, periodicals, and music scores.
LCC call numbers can tell you a lot about a book or score before you even find it on the shelf.
This page shows you how to read a call number, lists call number ranges for music materials, and how to find materials on subjects outside music.
The Library of Congress Classification System is divided into large subject areas which are called "classes." All classes--and subclasses--begin with one, two, or three letters followed by a number which represents more specific aspects of a subject.
Below is an outline showing the main classes in LCC:
Looking for a biography of Brahms or all the scores & parts the library owns of piano quintets? You can browse the shelves and find these if you know a bit about LCC's classification numbers for Music and Books on Music.
Books on music begin with ML (literature on music) or MT (musical instruction and study); scores begin with M
M -- Call Numbers for Scores -- Highlights
M2-M3.3 Collected editions M6-M175.5 Solo instrument M180-M298.5 Duets M300-M386 Trios M400-M486 Quartets M500-M586 Quintets M600-M686 Sextets M700-M786 Septets M800-M886 Octets M900-M986 Nonets and larger chamber ensembles M1000-M1075 Orchestra M1100-M1160 String Orchestra M1200-M1270 Band M1500-M1508.2 Operas M2000-M2007 Oratorios M2010-M2014.5 Masses M2020-M2101.5 Choruses. Anthems. Cantatas, etc.