Oboe

A call number is an item's address in a library. Just like you have a unique mailing address, each library item has its own unique call number. Also like the components of a mailing address (i.e., street name, zip code, etc.), each part of a call number means something. The first letter or two letters is called a subclass. In music, there are only three subclasses. M is the subclass for music scores. Music books are in either ML or MT. ML is the subclass for music literature while MT is the subclass for music instruction and study, so usually music education or theory. The digits which follow indicate the specific topic of the book or score within each subclass.

Typically two alphanumeric signifiers called cutters follow the subclass. Cutters often correspond to the author or composer's last name or derive from the subject or title of the work. The numbers which follow the letter then offer clues as to the next letters of that name or title. Scores by Bach, for example, might be cuttered as B3. This provides an alphabetical ordering for each topic. The final number in a call number, for example 1991, is typically the date of publication. You can practice your knowledge of call numbers with this tutorial.

The easiest way to find items in OneSearch is through a basic keyword search as described on the Getting Started tab. You might, however, choose to run an advanced search, if you are not finding your desired results through other means. Open advanced search by clicking “Advanced” either below the OneSearch dialog box or next to the magnifying glass. The main advantage of advanced search is the ability to separate terms and select fields. Use the dropdown to select field types like "Author," "Title," "Call Number," and "ISBN." Then use operators like "AND," "OR," and "NOT" to specify how your first term relates to your second. Use the plus sign to the right of the window to add terms.

In using advanced search, you unfortunately run the risk of eliminating some results before you have the chance to see them. This is especially true if you apply filters too early in your search process. For this reason, it is recommended that you wait to apply filters until after hitting search. Generally, it is better to start with too many results and then narrow them down through filters and stronger keywords, than to start with too few.

A keyword search is when you enter text of your choice into a search box, whether as a basic or advanced search. A subject search, however, uses standardized terms which are assigned to an item by librarians. These subjects are linked from record to record, so that every item with the same subject appears when you search that subject. On OneSearch, these subjects appear as red hyperlinked text and are typically found in the Details section of an item record. When you click on this text, OneSearch runs a subject search on this term to find every other record also assigned this subject.

Subject searching is useful when you wish to search comprehensively on a known term: you already found it in one record and now want to find it in others. It is also useful if your keyword fails to yield as many results as you had imagined, and it can help you determine the term more commonly used by scholars and librarians. You can also use hyperlinked text to search for every item held by a particular author or composer. Notice how subjects are structured and you will be able to modify subject searches to meet your specific needs.