How Do I Find a Book?

Does the idea of tracking down a book in the Library fill you with dread? Help is on the way...

To find a book, you have to know two things: call number and floor. The call number is a series of numbers, letters, and a decimal point. Look for the call number in the book information in Library Search.

The Library has different collections (Scores, Career, Reserves, Film Scripts) on 5 floors. The biggest is the Main Collection on floors 3, 4, and 5. Call numbers of books in the Main Collection do not indicate which floor the book is on.

Here's a cheat sheet:

Main Collection Call Number Locations
001-739 - 3rd floor
740-799 - 4th floor
800-999 - 5th floor

Don't memorize that! Just check the floor guides near the elevators. Or use the floor directory.

1. Once you find the right floor, look for the first three numbers in the call number. These are in number order: 800 comes before 803, which comes before 810.

2. Now look for any numbers that come after the decimal point. These are in decimal order: 800.01 comes before 800.1, which comes before 800.25.

3. Then look for a letter, in alphabetical order: 800.01 G comes before 800.01 R, which comes before 800.01 Y.

If you can't find a book, ask a Library staff person for help. Hope this makes finding a book easier!

Trivia: What call number system does CCC Library use? Let us know in the comments! (Hint: decimal is part of its name.)