Finding an Item Finding an Item on the Shelfon the Shelf

To find an itemTo find an item

you will need…you will need…

the location,the location,

the call numberthe call number

and possibly a map of the and possibly a map of the library.library.

Note: make sure status says Note: make sure status says available.available.

Use the location and map to Use the location and map to determine the correct floor and determine the correct floor and

general area.general area.

Use the call number and signage on Use the call number and signage on the end caps to proceed to the the end caps to proceed to the

correct aisle.correct aisle.

How to read a call How to read a call number…number…

Parts of a Call NumberParts of a Call Number QLQL 681 .S495 2001681 .S495 2001

What is it?What is it? letter(s) determine subject area and letter(s) determine subject area and

subclasssubclass first letter is subject: Q = sciencefirst letter is subject: Q = science second letter is subclass: QL = zoologysecond letter is subclass: QL = zoology

These letters are arranged These letters are arranged alphabetically.alphabetically.

QQ beforebefore QLQL before before QRQR

Parts of a Call NumberParts of a Call NumberQLQL 681681 .S495 2001.S495 2001

What is it?What is it? number that narrows subclassnumber that narrows subclass

These numbers are arranged as These numbers are arranged as whole numberswhole numbers..

QLQL QLQL QLQL

98.698.6 beforebefore 681681 beforebefore 11931193

Parts of a Call NumberParts of a Call NumberQL 681QL 681 .S495.S495 20012001

What is it?What is it? cutter - a decimal followed by a letter and numbercutter - a decimal followed by a letter and number narrows subject or specifies authornarrows subject or specifies author

The cutter is arranged The cutter is arranged alphabetically then alphabetically then decimallydecimally..

QLQL QLQL QLQL

681681 681681 681681

.S3913.S3913 beforebefore .S495.S495 beforebefore.S8.S8

Parts of a Call NumberParts of a Call NumberQL 681 .S495QL 681 .S495 20012001

What is it?What is it? Copy number, volume number, year, or additional cutterCopy number, volume number, year, or additional cutter

The arrangement…The arrangement… Copy and volume numbers: sequentiallyCopy and volume numbers: sequentially Then yearThen year Then cutter (rules on previous slide)Then cutter (rules on previous slide)

QLQL QLQL QLQL681681 681681 681681.S495.S495 .S495.S495

.S495.S495beforebefore 20012001 beforebefore

G8G8

Read the call number to Read the call number to determine the location on determine the location on

shelf.shelf.

Voila!Voila!

Disclaimer: the library is not perfect Disclaimer: the library is not perfect and occasionally items may be and occasionally items may be shelved incorrectly. shelved incorrectly.

If you cannot find what you are If you cannot find what you are looking for, please go to the looking for, please go to the Information desk for assistance.Information desk for assistance.

How to find a periodical.How to find a periodical. Journals Journals are alphabetical by title are alphabetical by title Then shelved oldest to newestThen shelved oldest to newest The most recent issue will be in the The most recent issue will be in the

“current periodicals” section“current periodicals” section

Please ask for assistance Please ask for assistance when looking for…when looking for…

microfichemicrofiche government documentsgovernment documents curriculum materialscurriculum materials

Related SlideshowsRelated Slideshows

How to Renew ItemsHow to Renew Items Search TipsSearch Tips Preferred SearchesPreferred Searches