Library DIY

Locating the Call Number and Location of a Book

There are two things you need to know in order to locate a physical book in the library:

• the library collection it's located at in the library, ex. Main 
• the call number to find it on the shelf, ex. QC903 .S625 2015

Where do I find the call number and location?

The book's listing in Quick Search will display both the call number and location. Additionally, if the listing shows the book's status as "available," it means the book is on the shelf and available for check out. 

Call numbers allow you to find the precise location of the book on the shelf. Most of the library's print book collection is located on the 2nd floor, but in the example above, the book is in the Popular Reading section, which is located in the 1st floor Atrium area.

Go to the library area where your book is shelved, and find your book. Library tip: once you find your book, you can browse the other adjacent books on the shelf to find similar books. 

Also keep in mind:

• If you get no results in Quick Search, we most likely don't have the book. You should see an entry for the book with availability, location, and call number information if we own a copy.
• If the library does not own a copy, click on the Interlibrary Loan link to place a request to have it sent to library for free.
• Occasionally books will have an unavailable status indicating they are checked out. Click on the book's title on the Quick Search display and Sign in with your IslandID and password to place a hold on the item or order a copy from Interlibrary Loan.

Print Book Check-out:

Carry the book to the 1st floor Circulation Desk and present your ID to check the book out! The library staff at the information desk are always happy to assist you with locating a book in the library as well.