How do I find a book on the shelf?
Answer
Using Shelfmarks to Find Books
To find a specific book on the library shelves, you should start by searching for it in Library Search. Underneath the book description is a bar that will tell you if the book is available. It also shows a shelfmark. This is a series of numbers, followed by 3 letters.
You also need to check the location of the book. Most books are on Level 2 meaning they are in the main collection. Other collections may be in different locations.
Main Collection and Example
The shelfmark for ‘Criminology’ by Tim Newman is ‘364 NEW’, and it is in the Level 2 collection. To find this book, you can use the shelfmark as a map. The numbers run from 000 to 999 on level 2 of the library (the top floor), starting near the Meeting Room, and ending in the silent study area. See this library map for details.
On the end of each row of shelves, is a sign showing the range of numbers in that row. Once you find the right row, follow the numbers down until you reach the number you need. Once you find the right number, e.g. ‘364’, you should follow the letters in alphabetical order. This should lead you to the right book.
Wellbeing collection
If a book is in the Wellbeing Collection, you can find it on Level 2 (the top floor) in the space next to the silent study area.
Local History Collection
If a book is in the Local History Collection, you can find it on Level 2 (the top floor) in the space next to the silent study area.
School Experience Resources
School Experience Resources are found on Level 0 (the bottom floor).
Fiction and Picture Fiction collections
If the source you’re looking for has ‘Fiction’ or ‘Picture Fiction’ instead of numbers, e.g. ‘Picture Fiction BEA ROS’ or ‘Fiction NIC’ then it is in the fiction or picture fiction collection on level 0.
Map
For a rough guide to where to find books in the library, please see our library map.
Need assistance?
If you have any problems finding a book, or need help understanding a shelfmark, please find a member of library staff or contact us for assistance.
