Today many libraries use an electronic system to register all books. While the process of finding a book may vary by library, the majority of libraries use the Library of Congress Classification System to organize the books in the library. To find a book, first look in the library catalog. Once you recognize a book, use the "call number" to search for the book. If you can't find the book you're looking for, have a librarian look it up for you. If the book is not available, apply to borrow a book from another library.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Searching the Catalog
Step 1. Find the computer in the library
Most libraries now have electronic catalogs available on computers throughout the library. Find a computer and access the library's homepage. On the home page there should be search options for books, articles, magazines, newspapers, and editorials. This search box is usually located at the top of the web page.
You will usually see the library home page on the library computer homepage. If not the library home page appears, type the library's web address in the computer's internet browser
Step 2. Do a title search
Do this if you know the title of the book you are looking for. Type the title of the book in the search box. For English books, when typing the title, omit the letter 'A' or the word 'The' at the beginning of the title.
For example, if the title of the book is “The Fall of the Roman Empire,” then type “Fall of the Roman Empire.”
Step 3. Search by author name
Do this if you can't remember the exact title of the book, but you know the author's name. Authors are usually listed by their last name so type their full name or last name in the search box. The result will show all the works of the author in the library.
- In addition to books, newspaper articles, conference journals, and other books related to the author will be listed. You can narrow your search results by filtering the list. The trick, just click on the word book.
- You can also use this method if you are interested in other books by a particular author. Type in the author's name and check all the books that appear in the search engine list.
Step 4. Do a topic search
This method is used if you are not thinking about a specific book title or author, but are interested in a specific topic. When searching by topic, use keywords to narrow the search.
For example, if you are interested in the topic of immigration, type “United States immigration,” “European immigration,” or “Mexican immigrants” in the search box
Part 2 of 3: Gathering Important Information
Step 1. Click the title of the book
After finding the book you are looking for, click on the title of the book. You will be directed to a new page with specific information about the book, such as the status of the book and where it is stored. If you are in a private library, such as a campus library, you may need to enter an ID and password to access the information. If you are a student at the university or a member of the library, enter the requested information.
If you are in a public library, you may not need to enter an ID and password. You simply ask the librarian for this information
Step 2. Write down the location, call number and status of the book
These are the three most important pieces of information you should write down. This information tells you where the book is stored in the library and whether its status is available or not.
- For example, write down the information, location: Anderson Library Stacks, book call number: QA 600. K57 2009, and status: available/unavailable.
- If the book you are looking for is on the “shelf,” then it is ready for circulation, which can be borrowed for a certain period of time, for example four weeks.
- If the book you're looking for is in “reserves,” reference books, or in “special collections,” then you can borrow it even if it can't be taken out of the library.
Step 3. Use the dial number guide
If the status of the book is available (not borrowed or lost), do this. Check the first two letters of the calling number. After that, look in the guide for information about which part of the library and on what floor the book is located.
- For example a book with a calling number starting with QA might be in the east wing, fourth floor.
- Look for a dial number guide around the computer or at the library's main desk.
Step 4. View the library map
You can do this if you are not sure of the exact location. For example, you doubt the location of the east wing. You can find the map on the library's main desk. The map will show how to get to different areas of the library, with the main table as a point of reference.
Alternatively, you can ask a librarian to take you to the area
Part 3 of 3: Finding Books
Step 1. Look at the label at the end of the bookshelf
Bookshelf labels are arranged alphabetically. Use this label to find your bookshelf. The label usually contains a range of letters and numbers, for example QA 100.74. B50 to QA 300.70. A30. If the book dial number you're looking for falls within that range, start looking on the bookshelf.
For example, if the book's dial number is QA 200.86. S50, then that number falls within the label range and the book you're looking for is on that shelf
Step 2. Look at the number on the back of the book
The books on the shelves are also arranged alphabetically so use the book dial number to find the book. Call numbers are usually written at the bottom of the spine. The book dial number must exactly match the dial number in the system.
Since the books in the library are arranged by topic using the LC Classification System, try looking for other books on the shelf where you found the book you are looking for if you want to find other books on the same topic
Step 3. Ask the librarian
If you can't find the book even though the system says it exists, ask the librarian. The book may be on the wrong shelf or you may be looking in the wrong place. After all, the majority of libraries are indeed very large and confusing. The librarian will go and find the book for you.
Tell the librarian, “I went looking for a book in the east wing, but I couldn't find it. According to the system, the book is available, but when you look for it on the shelf it's not there. Can you check it out?”
Step 4. Request a loan from another library
If the librarian says the book is missing or missing, you can apply for a loan from another library. You or the librarian will need to fill out a request form containing the name of the book, author's name and year of publication, as well as your contact details. Usually your book will arrive in five or seven days.
