How do I find an item on the shelf?

Once you have found an item in the catalogue or library website, take note of these details in the record:

  • Call number

    A combination of letters and numbers found usually on the spine of the item. Call numbers identify an item and indicate its location on the library shelf. 

  • Collection

    The library is divided into different sections.

    • Reference: For use only in the library. These are authoritative resources such as encyclopaedias, handbooks, biographies, directories and dictionaries. Reference items can be identified by their R label.

    • General: Most items can be borrowed.

    • Journals: Serials, journals and magazines are the same thing.

      • Print copies are available for borrowing from boxes on the shelves where they are stored in order of publication date.

      • Digital copies of serials can be accessed online or from databases. 

  • Status

    Is it currently on loan?
    Is it new and still being processed by Library staff?
    Is it a 'Not for loan' item?
    When items are in heavy demand, they can only be used in the library. When no longer in high demand, the 'Not for loan' status is removed.