Using the Library
How to read a call number
Have you ever thought about the way the books are put on the shelves in the library? Did you know that the call number–the number that’s on the spine of the book–actually means something? Librarians understand that this can be a hard code to crack. So here’s a little help on reading a call number.
The parts of a book
Understanding the parts of a book can help you take care of them better. For example, never squash the gutter of a book flat in the photocopier or scanner! This damages the book and limits its future use for you and your classmates. Instead, put the gutter–with the spine facing out–over the edge of the copier or scanner and support the book with your hands. This technique will also make the images come out better, with less of that dark shadow blurring out the text or image in the middle.
Great! But where are the things I need in Jen Library?
Good question! Here’s a breakdown:
1st floor
- Circulation Desk & Interlibrary Loan
- Technology Help Desk
- Reference Desk
- Student & staff photocopiers (Students: $0.10 for black & white, $1.25 for color)
- Reference books, including Q-Reference (oversize) and maps
- New & Browsing Collection books
- Plays
- Library computer classroom 108: for library instruction classes
- Technology computer classroom 109: for Technology and campus workshops
- Reference Librarians office
2nd floor
- Circulating books NA (Architecture) through Z (Information Resources)
- Bound periodicals (also called magazines, journals or serials)
- Current periodicals (magazines, etc–you get the idea)
- Black & white photocopiers ($0.10)
- Serials Librarian office
- Writing Center
- Group study carrels
3rd floor
- Circulating books A (General Works) through N (Fine Arts)
- Technical Services Librarians office
- Visual Resource Center
- Individual study carrels
- Computer lab
- Special Collections
