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Subject guides

Music: Music Library Class Numbers

A library guide to support the study of music

Book classification

Here at the University of Huddersfield we use the Dewey Decimal Classification System. It is very easy to use. Books are grouped together by subject and then allocated a number, called a class number. This means when you browse the shelves all the books on the same subject will be together.

You do not have to remember the class numbers! They are all on Library Search. We also include the first three letters of the authors surname so that you can find books quickly.

Music score classification

Music scores also use the Dewey Decimal Classification system. In addition to this each composer is allocated a code which is the first letter of their surname and then a number e.g. Mozart is M-81. This allows us to keep all the works by a single composer together regardless of whether other composers share the same surname e.g. C P E Bach B-04, J S Bach B-08. The only exception to this are the pop music scores. They are allocated three letters as books are e.g. Katie Melua would be MEL.

The scores are fully searchable via Library Search.

CD classification

Our CD Collection is classified by types of works e.g. Operas A, Symphonies F. This is then followed by the composer code as for music scores.

The CD Collection is fully searchable via Library Search.