Which of the following sets of Library of Congress call numbers is in the correct order?
1. PA 203 .B252 1971, P201 .A251 1977, PE205 .C253 1954, PH202 .H255 1965
2. P201 .A251 1977, PE205 .C253 1954, PH202 .H255 1965, PA 203 .B252 1971
2?
I don't think either one is in order, but if I had to choose, I'd choose #2.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Congress_Classification
To determine the correct order of the Library of Congress call numbers, you need to understand how they are structured and sorted. The call numbers are based on a combination of letters and numbers that represent different aspects of the book, such as subject area, author, or title.
In this case, the call numbers are divided into sections separated by periods. Each section represents a different level of specificity. The general order for sorting call numbers is as follows:
1. Letters: The call numbers start with letters, which represent the subject area or topic of the book. In this case, you have PA, P, PE, and PH.
2. Numbers before the decimal point: After the letters, there are numbers before the decimal point. These numbers usually represent a more specific classification within the subject area. For example, PA 203, P201, PE205, and PH202.
3. Letters after the decimal point: If there are letters after the decimal point, they represent the author's last name. In this case, you have A, C, H, and B.
4. Numbers after the letters: Finally, there are numbers after the letters, which may represent the year or edition of the book. For example, A251, C253, H255, and B252.
To determine the correct order of the call numbers provided, compare each component section by section, starting with the letters, then the numbers before the decimal point, followed by the letters after the decimal point, and finally the numbers after the letters.
Based on this ordering, it appears that Set 2: P201 .A251 1977, PE205 .C253 1954, PH202 .H255 1965, PA 203 .B252 1971, is in the correct order.