Many research and academic libraries assign call numbers to books using the Library of Congress Classification system. This system is arranged by subject matter. Browsing online library catalogs or shelves by call number is an effiencent method of locating materials. For a complete outline visit the Library of Congress Classification website (www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco)
For example, if you are interested in books on Polymers look under the call number T 1080 to T 1185.
QD
1-999
Chemistry
1-65
General
Including alchemy
71-142
Analytical chemistry
146-197
Inorganic chemistry
241-441
Organic chemistry
415-436
Biochemistry
450-801
Physical and theoretical chemistry
625-655
Radiation chemistry
701-731
Photochemistry
901-999
Crystallography
T
1-995
Technology (General)
201-342
Patents. Trademarks
TP
1-1185
Chemical technology
155-156
Chemical engineering
200-248
Chemicals: Manufacture, use, etc.
248.13-248.65 Biotechnology
250-261
Industrial electrochemistry
267.5-301 Explosives
and pyrotechnics
315-360
Fuel
368-456
Food processing and manufacture
480-498
Low temperature engineering. Cryogenic
engineering. Refrigeration
500-660
Fermentation industries. Beverages. Alcohol
670-699
Oils, fats, and waxes
690-692.5
Petroleum refining. Petroleum products
700-746
Illuminating industries (Nonelectric)
751-762
Gas industry
785-869
Clay industries. Ceramics. Glass
875-888
Cement industries
890-933
Textile bleaching, dyeing, printing, etc.
934-945
Paints, pigments, varnishes, etc.
1080-1185 Polymers
and polymer manufacture