How are books organised in the library?

Answer

We organise books on the shelves in subject order using the Dewey Decimal System.  It is a system that gives books on the same subject the same number (the call number).

There are three steps to locating a book within the library:

1. Carry out a library search
Start from the Library Search page and enter your search term.

2. Check the book's call number and location, and if it is available.

Make a note of the title, author and call number/classmark, and which collection the book is stored in.

The call number (or classmark) tells you exactly where the item will be located on the shelves. Each book has a call number on its spine followed by the first three letters of the author's last name.

3. Locate the book on the shelves
Use library signage to find your way around the Library to locate the area where the book you want is shelved. Each block of shelves tells you the numbers stored on that shelf. 

Books are arranged in numerical order by call number, then in alphabetical order by author.  Locate the section where the call number of your book begins - for example, if you were searching for call number 507.11, start by locating the 500s, then narrow your search to the 507s and so on. Then look along the shelves in order until you find the three letters. 

 

Need more help?  The Student Connect team are here with advice and support for library services - email studentconnect@staffs.ac.uk or use our online chat to get in touch!

 

  • Last Updated 06 Aug, 2021
  • Views 60
  • Answered By Library Operations

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