Understanding the C/MBSC Library Classification System

This is an overview of how the classification scheme used in the C/MBSC library works.
Each item in our collection has a call number assigned to it which is used to identify where in our library an item is shelved. BUS MKT SEL 0160 is an example of one of our call numbers. It is assigned to a book called "Sales for the self-employed" by Martin Edic. This overview will explain how to locate the item on our shelves.

Summary

The four parts of this call number (many of our call numbers may only have three parts) tell you where in the library it is located. The first part, the "BUS" tells you that it is located in the "Business" main section. The second part, the "MKT" shows that it is located in the sub-section of the "Business" main section dedicated to marketing related titles. The next part of the call number, the "SEL" shows that it is found in the part of the "MKT" subsection dedicated to information on selling and sales. All the subsections are in alphabetical order and there are signs on the ends of each shelving unit showing which subsections (e.g. BUS AP - BUS CED) are located on that shelving. Items are shelved in numerical order within their subsection.

Some titles may have a volume and/or indicator as part of the Call Number. For example BUS AP FN 0015 v. 15 no. 2 which identifies Vol. 15, No. 2 of the First Nations gazette. Others may have a year as part of their call number. E.g. Consumer Europe 2011 TR EUR 0190 2011.

The five main sections and what sorts of information they contain are:

BUS (The "business" section). This section is composed mostly of books on starting a new business or running an existing business. This section contains information on the economy, business statistics, intellectual properties, non-profits, co-operatives, economic development, training, professional development, demographics, safety, human resources management and engaging in trade and related information.
DIR (The "directories" section). All sorts of directories are found here, manufacturers, services, government programs, franchises, retail chains, telephone directories, etc. A major component of this section is the DIR REF sub-section that house our general reference tools like dictionaries and encyclopedias.
GOV (The "government" section). A small section that contains some general titles on government.
SEC (The "sector" section). Information on specific sectors, e.g. aerospace, tourism, clothing.
TR (The "trade" section). This is the section where information on foreign countries, how to do business in specific countries and market studies for foreign countries is found.
 

English language and bi-lingual English/French titles are all shelved in the main stacks section of our library. French language books are all shelved in our French Collection/Collection français section.

In the case of our special collections, i.e. French or audio-visuals, some additional characters might appear after the number part of the Call Number, e.g. BUS MKT 0635 AV which is a video called " Neuromarketing [DVD]: consumers under the influence ". The acronym in brackets after the title tells you it is a DVD. These additional letters and which special collection they refer to are:
 

In the case of our special collections, i.e. French or audio-visuals, some additional characters might appear after the number part of the Call Number, e.g. BUS DEV 223 AV which is a video called "NBR Starting a business series [video]".  The word in brackets after the title tells you it is a video.   These additional letters and which special collection they refer to are:

Unfortunately some of our AV materials are either oversized or stored in hanging plastic bags. This is not indicated in the call number but rather in the title where the word box or bag will appear.

E,g,:
Introductory garment printing course [DVD/box] BUS START SCP 0013 AV
The basics of business etiquette [DVD/bag] BUS OPS 0618 AV
This indicates the section of the library where the item is shelved.
Alternatives to Call Numbers

In a few cases instead of a Call Number you'll see one of the following phrases:

 

Manitoba Contact(s):
Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre
250 - 240 Graham Ave
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3C OJ7
Telephone: 204-984-2272
Fax: 204-983-3852
Toll-free (information): 1-800-665-2019
TTY Toll-free (hearing impaired): 1-800-457-8466
E-mail: manitoba@canadabusiness.mb.ca
Web site: http://www.canadabusiness.mb.ca/