How do I find a physical book in the library?

Step 1:

Search for books in QuickSearch. Look for ones that say "Piedmont Virginia Circulating Collection." These are the physical books in the library (i.e. not ebooks).

Step 2:

Click the title of the book you want to read to see more information on it.  Make sure it says "Available" instead of "Checked Out."

Step 3:

Write down the call number. The library books are organized using the Library of Congress classification system. Essentially, they're organized by subject. All the history books are shelved together, all the biology books, all the religion books, etc.  

Step 4:

Go to the library shelves. Look at the ends of the shelves for small, square signs that list the call number range in that row. Figure out in which range your call number falls. For example, F292 .F67 P47 2016 falls in between the range on the right.  

Step 5:

Scan the shelves to find the book. The call numbers are read horizontally line by line, and they are in alpha-numeric order. The only tricky one is the third line with the decimal point. Look at the first two call numbers in the example below. It would seem that C453 would come after C49 because 453 > 49. However, this is a decimal, so 0.453 < 0.49. Or, put another way, if you mentally add a "0" so the two numbers you're comparing have the same number of digits, 453 < 490.   

Step 6:

Pull the book off the shelf. Take it to the front desk for checkout.

• Having trouble finding the book? Ask a librarian!
• Students are allowed to check out up to 25 books for 28 days with 2 renewals. You must have your student ID!  See our Library Policies page for more information.
• Want to use an ebook instead? See this playbook: How do I find an ebook?
• What if the Jessup Library doesn't have the book I need?  Request it through Interlibrary Loan.