First-time author Snow has written an immensely helpful title on constructing Library of Congress (LC) call numbers for novice catalogers or anyone seeking a better understanding of the LC classification (LCC) system. This slim volume is packed with essential information and illustrated with numerous examples. Snow first explores the components of LCC, then guides readers through assigning class numbers and constructing Cutter numbers using LC classification schedules and tables. Although Snow provides screenshots from the Classification Web and offers advice on navigating that resource, her instructions are easily adaptable to use with the PDF schedules available on the library's website. The book also contains links to the Classification and Shelflisting Manual for additional material on specific topics and a final chapter of recommended resources for further learning. Most valuable of all, however, is Snow's straight-forward, comprehensible instruction style. Each new concept builds on the principles of previous chapters and reiterates important points.

Verdict: Highly recommended for library and information science students and professional catalogers in need of a refresher.

Library Journal

The coverage represented by the book is thorough and the content is outstanding. . . . I would think this book would be of particular interest in small academic libraries with limited technical services staff. It will also be immensely interesting to library school students whose instructors are unable to take the time that Snow takes to describe the intricacies of using Class Web to devise LCC numbers.

Technical Services Quarterly

A simple and clear guide to our beloved LCC--straightforward and easy to understand number-building strategies for both professional librarians and novice LCC-users. Snow provides practical lessons on navigating and using Classification Web, as well as common-sense tips for ‘tweaking’ cutter numbers to fit a library’s unique collection. The end of chapter exercises are especially useful because of the detailed explanations given for many of the answers.

Shawne D. Miksa, Associate Professor, Department of Library and Information Sciences, University of North Texas

A clear, straightforward introduction to the Library of Congress Classification – essential for students and practitioners who want to learn the intricacies of assigning Library of Congress Classification numbers.

Gretchen L. Hoffman, associate professor, School of Library and Information Studies, Texas Women's University