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Library DIY

I Do Not Know Where to Find a Call Number in the Library

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. 

This image depicts how a print book's location information is displayed in the Quick Search result list. The library's call number, which allows you to find the book on the shelves, is displayed under the book's image and title, author, and publication information. The specific book location is also displayed to the left of the call number. The library catalog also indicates if a book is checked out or available for checkout.

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.

This image shows a row of books in the 2nd floor bookshelves organized in call number order.
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.

This image depicts how a checked out and unavailable book looks in Quick Search. Users have the option to click on Request First Available Copy to place a hold on the book, or choose Get it from Another Library to order the book using 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.

This image depicts a view of the 1st floor Circulation Desk, located just inside the library's front doors.