This search is an alphabetical search. Alphabetical searches work like the phone book. If you know only the first letter of a person’s last name, you have to flip to that section and start looking. Knowing a few more letters allows you to narrow your search. When you perform an alphabetical search, the system moves through the alphabet until it reaches your first letter. Within that letter, it continues to search until it has reached all of the letters in your search term. For instance, if you select the Object Name search and type in "PAINTING," the system will move first to the P and then to PA and then to PAI and so forth. If there is no exact match, the system will bring back the closest records it can find. The type of information that the system alphabetizes depends on the search you choose. 

 A call number is a unique identifier for any item or group of items (such as a manuscript collection) that the Archives/Library holds. The Dewey Call Number system is the most widely-used format for identifying books and serials. This system is organized around ten basic subject categories (from 000s: General to 900s: History). If you enter a call number in the Dewey format, this search will compare that call number against the items organized in the subject categories. For instance, you could use this search to browse through OHS' holdings on a particular subject simply by entering the Dewey category number (929.2 equals Family Histories).

• Call numbers are searched exactly. Thus, "R 352.0771" is found in a different place than "352.0771." This feature allows you to browse single collections.
• OHS uses a variety of call number systems. Only books and serials use Dewey. The remainder of Archive/Library collections use local call numbers which are OHS specific. Please contact a reference archivist or OPAC@ohiohistory.org if you have any questions concerning these call number systems.