There are four steps to applying labels to books:

• Check that the call number label matches the call number written inside the book.
• Apply the label.
• Cover the label with a label saver.
• If necessary, stamp the book with the library's property stamp and insert a security strip.
   

1. Check that the printed call number label matches the call number written inside the book. If the label does not match, fix the discrepancy and then print a new label.
2. Apply the call number label.

• The first choice for label placement is horizontally across the book's spine. The entire call number must fit on the spine.
• The second choice for label placement is vertically along the book's spine, with the beginning of the call number up.
• The third choice for label placement is along the top of the book's front cover, against the spine. Books that read from left to right will have the label in the top left corner of the front cover. Books that read from right to left will have the label in the top right corner of the front cover.

For books reading left-to-right

If the label can be fixed on the spine of the book, it should be placed horizontally on the spine. No part of the call number should bend around the edges of a book.

If the spine is too thin and the label won’t fit, place the label in the upper left-hand corner of the front cover.

For ease of browsing and shelving, please place the “vertical” spine DDC labels with the top oriented towards the right side.

For books reading right-to-left

If the label can be fixed on the spine of the book, it should be placed horizontally on the spine. No part of the call number should bend around the edges of a book.

If the spine is too thin and the label won’t fit, place the label in the upper right-hand corner of the front cover, below the barcode.

For ease of browsing and shelving, please place the “vertical” spine DDC labels with the top oriented towards the right side.

3. Apply a label saver.

After applying the call number label, cover the label entirely with a label saver. Two label savers might be necessary. Use a whale bone to secure the label saver.

4. Make sure that the book is stamped with the library's property stamp. Books that are not property stamped will need a security strip as well.

All books must be stamped with the library property stamp on the top and bottom of the text block. On the top edge of the text block, the front cover of the book should act as "down" for the property stamp. On the bottom edge of the text block, the back cover of the book should act as "down" for the property stamp. Treat right-to-left books as though they were left-to-right books. If the book did not arrive with property stamps, it will need a security strip as well.

Each book leaving the unit should have a call number label, a label lock, property stamps, and a security strip.