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Library Sections

Most libraries shelve items in several categories. Ours is no different.

Please refer to the following chart to help you navigate to the different sections of the library.

The abbreviation for each section is given as it appears in the catalog.

When browsing, follow these simple rules:

1. If possible, go with a specific number when browsing the stacks. Try not to mix up the 4 or 5 digit Circulation number (12345) with the Dewey number (123.54 ABC).

2. If you take a book from its place, please leave it laying out on a table or the end of a shelf; it is very easy to get things out of order, and very hard to put them back!

3. Find your book quickly and then find a seat, or ask for help.

Section	About
The Stacks— The Dewey Decimal System (000.00 ABC)	The stacks are generally considered the NON-FICTION section of the library. Here, books are classified and arranged by number in the Dewey Decimal System. The general categories for Dewey are below: 000 Generalities 100 Philosophy & psychology 200 Religion 300 Social sciences 400 Language 500 Natural sciences & mathematics 600 Technology (Applied sciences) 700 The arts 800 Literature & rhetoric 900 Geography & history This is not a section students “browse”—it is difficult to locate a book if you don’t know its number!
Reference—REF	The second Dewey section—usually not for general checkout.
Oversized—Ovz	This is the third Dewey section, where books that are too large for the shelves in the stacks are located. In-house readers usually know that the Guinness Book of World Records is on the first shelf of this section.
Biography—B 92	The biography section is placed just before fiction. Here, you find books on a specific person, organized alphabetically by last name.
Short Stories—SC	Located between Biography and Fiction is the Short Story Collection. Books that are only made up of short works are located here.
Fiction—F	The fiction section is alphabetized by author’s last name. Books by each author are then organized by title.
Graphic Novel—GrNvl	This collection is the “Not for Checkout” collection. We try to keep a variety of comics, manga, and special graphics for your in-house use. If you’ve never read something like this, ask a librarian for suggestions!