Q. How do I find a book in the stacks?

Follow these steps to find a book in the library: 

Search for the book in SouthernSearch.

• Search by title, author, or keyword to determine whether the library has the book.

Check the location.

• Note the book's location in the library record.
• Most books are located on the second and third floors.
• Textbooks are on the first floor, while the Curriculum Collection, Juvenile Collection, and Archives are on the ground floor.

Find the call number.

• Record the book's call number from the library record.
• Books are arranged on the shelves by call number, which is a combination of letters and numbers.

Locate the book.

• Use the call number to find the book on the shelf.
• The call number appears on one line in SouthernSearch but is displayed vertically on the book's spine.
• For example, Nicomachean Ethics has the call number:

• B
  430
  A5
  R69
  2002

How to read a call number:

• Line 1: Read the first line in alphabetical order: A, B, C...
• Line 2: Read the second line as a whole number: 1, 2, 3...
• Line 3: the letter alphabetically. Read the number as a decimal.

If you need help finding a book, please contact the Circulation Desk.