Using the Library Catalog

Introduction

This is a generic introduction for using the average library catalog--if there is such a thing! Probably the most important and most familiar way to find things in the library is the catalog. Although some people may still call it the "card catalog;" few libraries have their books, records, CD's, videos, and other items listed on 5" x 3" paper index cards. An interesting explanation of this phenomena can be found at Hey! What Happened to the Card Catalog?

Most libraries have their catalog on computers and might call them by a name which is completely unfamiliar to you like the O-PAC. All of the information that used to be found on the cards is still contained in the online version. These computers will allow you to enter the author name, title, subject, or important "keywords" into a search field. There are almost always directions on the computer screen to help you, and the librarian is there to help you too. In fact, your most valuable library tool is the Reference Librarian who can explain and help you.

=====> typical catalog card

Search the Catalog

Although each library may have a different catalog, they are all somewhat similar and there are usually instructions on how to use the catalog. Here is what a typical author search looks like --yours may look somewhat different:

For personal authors, it's best if you type the last name and then the first name. You do not need to know the author's full name or all of the title to find things. You can use parts of the title or parts of an author's name when you search.

Example:

• Twain, Mark
• Twain, M

For authors that are companies, agencies, or organizations, type the organization's name:

• California Legislature
• General Motors Conference on Chemistry

Search Results  

1. Let's say you entered the keyword "telecommunications." You will probably receive a list of titles that have the word "telecommunications" in the title or description. You might receive a results display that looks something like this.

2. Because there may be many library books in the library about your keyword, you will most likely have to select from a list to get more information about individual books.

3. From this list, you can select titles that you actually want to see. You might get a final screen that looks like this:

4. You are given information in the last screen that helps you physically locate the book within the library. You will notice that the list contains some numbers and letters. These numbers and letters are called the "call number." They are like an address on a house because they tell where the item is located on the Library shelf. You will need to write down the call number and the author's last name so that you can find these items.

Call Numbers  

The call number is the key to locating library materials. It is located on the spine of the book. There are two main types of call numbers: 1) Dewey Decimal Numbers or 2) Library of Congress. Normally school libraries and public libraries use the simpler Dewey Decimal Number. Colleges and Universities use the Library of Congress.

You can quickly tell which kind your library uses by looking at a call number. The Dewey Decimal starts with numbers that indicate a subject and then part of the author's last name. The Library of Congress starts with letters from the alphabet that indicate subject, then some numbers, and then the first letter of the author's last name and more numbers. It's more complex.

For example, let's say two libraries own "Black holes and baby universes and other essays" by Stephen Hawking. Using the Dewey Decimal System, the call number might be something like "530.1 Hawking" while using Library of Congress system it could be "QC16.H33 A3 1993."

Here are several resources that explain call numbers:

• Understanding Call Numbers from Honolulu Community College, Hawaii.
• Seneca Guide to Library Call Numbers from the Seneca Library Resource Centres.
• Using Call Numbers from Western Connecticut State University Libraries.
• Understanding Call Numbers from About.com

1. Dewey Decimal System Classification Scheme
   • Dewey Decimal list by number
   • Dewey Classification System alphabetical by subject.
   • How to Use the Dewey Decimal System
   • Do We" Really Know Dewey? was created by a group of students at Nettleton Intermediate Center located in Jonesboro, Arkansas.
   • Let's Do Dewey from Middle Tennessee State University Library.
     
     
2. LC Call numbers
   • Library of Congress Call numbers from the Library of Congress.
   • Library of Congress Classification System slightly expanded list
   • Library of Congress Classification System from About.

Other Library Catalogs

Many library catalogs are available to you in addition to the catalog in your library. Most libraries will try to get books from other libraries if you ask. This is called an "Inter-Library Loan." If you would like to experiment with some other catalogs, the following list provides links to various library catalogs:

• Library of Congress Gateway to other catalogs
• Libdex - worldwide index of library catalogs
• Libweb - Library WWW servers

Return to Library Main Page

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