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International Student Guide

How to search for books

How do I find a call number on the shelf?

Follow these steps when you're looking for a book on the shelf.

  1. Find the correct letter combination. L comes before LA on the shelves.
  2. Look for the number - be sure to look for the whole number. 19 comes before 23 and 23 comes before 2340 (two thousand three hundred forty).
  3. In the last line, first locate the letter and then the decimal. .M371 will come before .M38

This image shows the order in which some sample call numbers would appear: L 19. M322, LA 23. M38, LA 2340. M371, LA 2340. M38

How do I find a book's call number?

  1. Find the call number in the record (it is a series of numbers and letters).
  2. Use the building directory to match the first letter of the call number to the correct floor.

This screen grab shows Search@UW record for a book, highlighting the call number

This screen grab shows part of the Library's building directory, highlighting the call number floor key for locating the book.

Where Is my book located?

Use the call number from catalog to see where your book is. For example, if the call number starts with "A" the book will be on 3rd floor, southeast.

Checking Out Materials