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Call number browse would be more useful if it had an optional filter for copy location. A copy location for a Dewey or LC classification number in all locations in a system or branch can bring together classed material from several different locations — adult nonfiction, children’s nonfiction and nonfiction DVDs, for example, and this is often useful. However, it’s not always helpful to mix adult and children’s material together, and having the ability to filter by copy location would allow for true searching of nearby titles, with the same benefits of browsing the actual shelves (even better, since you’re not missing the items that are checked out!)

This is also useful in generic call number locations, especially when the library uses prefixes, which are ignored in sorting. Our libraries use prefixes like Fiction and Biography, so a call number browse in those areas looks like this:
Biography Smith A.
Fiction Smith B.
Picture Book Smith C.

Having the call number browse display have a filter for shelving location would also be a step toward being able to add a “browse nearby items” option in the item display.

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