Q. The book I need is located in American University Library Library Stacks. I have the call number how do I find the book?

Answered By: Kathryn Ray
Last Updated: Nov 07, 2023     Views: 662

In our catalog, if the book is listed as "Available at American University Library Stacks", it means the book is a print book (physical volume, not online book) arranged by call number and located on one of the shelves on the Lower Level, Second or Third Floor.

"Available" books located in the Library Stacks may be checked out.

[Please note: AU-WCL means that the book is in the Washington College of Law's Pence Law Library. Books marked "Course Reserves" books are shelved behind the Circulation/Borrowing Desk. They may be checked out for a limited period of time, usually 3 hours.]

The AU Library uses the Library of Congress Classification scheme which groups books by subject. The call "numbers" begin with 1,2, or 3 letters followed by numbers.  Books are shelved by subject, according to their classification.  Most call numbers consist of four parts:

KF

alpha - indicates the general subject area

1500

number - indicates the specific subject area

.W53

decimal point followed by a letter - identifies the specific book

                    2018                     year published

 

American University Library Stacks Directory:

  • Call numbers  that begin with N and TR =  Lower Level
  • Call numbers A through H = Second Floor
  • Call numbers J through Z  = Third Floor (except N + TR)

Each range of shelving has a card on the upper end panel that has two call numbers.  The first number is the first book on that shelf, the second is the last.  If you are looking for KF 1500 .W53 2018, go to the 3rd floor and look for the card that has KF 1400- KF 1600. The book you need, KF 1500 will be on that shelf.

 Link to Library Map

 

If you would like further assistance, please Ask-A-Librarian.

 

 

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