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Library Catalogue Classification scheme

The Society uses a three-part classification scheme that normally produces a call number like AN1/19/1b for a book and like Y2/AN9/1-7 for a microfiche publication.

For books and periodicals

The parts are as follows:

1. One or more letters that indicate a geographical location and a numeral indicating the main subject. In the example: A = Australia, N = New South Wales, 1 = Heraldry.
2. A numeral indicating a sub-topic. In the example 19 = Flags.
3. A numeral uniquely identifying the item within the set. If it is part of a multi-volume item, a letter identifying the part.
   In the example: 1 = the first item in the set, b = the second volume belonging to the item.

For special collections

These are members' interests registers, microforms, manuscripts and cd-roms. For them the Society uses modified three-part schemes in which the geographical and subject identifiers (if applicable) appear in the second part of the call number.

Members' interests registers

1. "Y1"
2. Letters identifying the geographical location.
3. A unique item number and a letter indicating whether the item is a supplement

Microfiche

1. "Y2"
2. Letters identifying the geographical location and a numeral identifying the set.
3. A numeral indicating the number of fiche in the set.

Microfilm

1. "Y3"
2. "mfm" and a numeral identifying the set.
3. A numeral identifying the number of reels in the set.

Manuscripts

1. "Y4"
2. Letters identifying the geographical location and a numeral indicating the main subject.
3. A unique item number or, for family histories, the first three letters of the family name.

CD-ROMs

1. "CD".
2. Letters identifying the geographical location and a number identifying the set.
3. A numeral indicating the number of discs in the set.