The Ohio State University

This post explains Call number suffix in contrast with Volume identifiers

Usually a call number ends with the year of publication, but OSUL has a local practice of adding something called “Call number sufix” to assist retrieval of items in special format. Note (1) the call number suffix is added to call number on the bib record; (2) only established sufix can be used, and these are:

1. Computer file [If GMD is “electronic resource”] Example, PL687.A3 Z4 1999 Computer file
2. DVD [If GMD is “videorecording”] Examples,
3. Videotape [If GMD is “videorecording and in VHS format] Example, PN1997.C485 1996 Videotape
4. Phonotape cassette [If GMD is “sound recording”] Example,
5. Kit [If GMD is “kit”] Example, DP102.I853 2001 Kit

A volume identifier, on the other hand, is something to be added in the Item record — check here for a full explanation on Volume Identifiers.

When such a suffix has been added as part of the Call number in a bib record, there will be no necessary to add volume identifier for each item in that format (but any supplements still need volume identifiers). Examples,

• Zenkoku hogen shiryo [electronic resource] (1999) has total 13 items, v.1 to v.12 CD-ROMs (computer files) with a booklet.
• Oshin [videorecording] (2003) is a set of DVDs in 7 volumes, each volume contains 4 to 5 pieces of DVDs.
• Spoken Swedish [sound recording] is a 5-volume set of phonotape cassette accompanied with a book. So the call number is PD5113.F72 1990 Phonotape cassette.

For details on treatment of special formats, check Special Formats Requirement.