Physical items in the library often have call numbers, which are letters and numbers that provide information about the item, like the year it was published and its subject.
We mostly use the Library of Congress classification system for call numbers, which organizes items by subject with a letter for each general subject.
In Quick Search, in addition to call numbers, you will see the library location. For certain items, you will also see labels such as:
- Federal Government Publications
- Leisure
- Reference
- Physical course reserve
- Standards
Using Map it to find your item
Many physical items have a Map it button which will show you which floor and which shelf your item is on. If you want to get the item yourself, you can take the call number and browse the shelf.
Getting your item off the shelf
Our general collections are open to the public and can be browsed by everyone.
Help us care for our items by removing books from the shelf carefully. When you find your book, push the books on either side back slightly, and grab the desired book in the middle of its spine. Or you can place an index finger firmly on the top of the pages and tip the book out. If you pull strongly at the top of the spine, the covering for the spine will break down.
Let us get it for you
If you want us to retrieve the book for you, ask us to hold it for you at the library location you choose.