Library Guides: How to Find a Book in the Library: Step 1

Information You Need From the Catalog

Before you can find the book on the shelves, you need to get some information from the catalog.

1) First, look at the Status.

2) Next, look at the Location.

J.D. McKean Library Books: means the book is in the library. There will also be a floor designation (1st Floor or 2nd Floor). Call Numbers A-BX are on the first floor and Call Numbers C-Z are on the second floor.

JD McKean Library Professor Reserve - Service Desk: you can ask for the book at the checkout area of the Library Services Desk. These books have a limited checkout period, usually 2 hours, and cannot leave the library
JD McKean Library Audiovisuals - 2nd Floor: are on the second floor on the last row of bookshelves.
JD McKean Library DVDs - 2nd Floor: are on the second floor on the last row of bookshelves.
JD McKean Library Reference - 1st Floor - Lib Use Only: are on the first floor of the Library. The Reference collection begins on the shelves nearest the printers. The books can be used anywhere in the Library, but cannot be checked out.
HSRC Books - 3rd Floor - Lib Use Only: means the book is in the Holy Spirit Resource Center (3rd floor); these books must be used in the Holy Spirit Resource Center only.
Children's Library Center Books - LRC 5th Floor: is the Curriculum Media Center on LRC 5th floor.

3) Now, take a picture or write down the Call Number. You need this number to find the book on the shelf.

This Call Number will be on the spine (or sometimes the front) of the book.

Now you know the location on the shelf. Next you need to find out how to find the right shelf in the library.