Using the Library

Your local library is a “one-stop shop” for all kinds of resources.

Staff

Librarians, media specialists, technicians, and assistants can help you find what you need. Their duties may be divided among several desks.

• Information desk: Here you can ask questions about the library itself, its physical organization, hours of operation, contents, and policies.
• Circulation desk: Here you’ll check out materials to be used outside the library.
• Media services desk: Here you’ll get help with electronic media like videos, audio recordings, computer software, and devices for using these resources.
• Reference desk: Here you’ll find access to encyclopedias, atlases, almanacs, periodical guides, and archives of periodicals on microfilm. Usually, reference materials cannot be removed from the library.

Resources

Explore your library to discover the location of the following resources:

• Computer catalogs: Every library keeps a catalog of its books and other media, identifying where to find each item. You can search by title, author, or subject.
• Print books: Nonfictionbooks are usually shelved according to the Dewey decimal system, which divides subjects into ten main classes:

  000–099 General 100–199 Philosophy 200–299 Religion 300–399 Social Science

  400–499 Languages 500–599 Sciences 600–699 Technology 700–799 Arts and Rec.

  800–899 Literature 900–999 History, Travel, and Geography

  Fiction books are shelved separately, arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name.

  Biographies are shelved separately, arranged alphabetically by the subject’s last name.

• Ebooks: Your library may also lend ebooks and ebook devices.
• Periodicals: Libraries subscribe to many types of periodicals. You’ll find recent newspapers, magazines, and scholarly journals as well as bound collections of old issues. Some may be stored on computer or microfilm.
• Special collections: Often, libraries house historical documents of local importance. You must ask for permission to view them.
• Electronic media: Videos, audio recordings, and computer programs, along with the equipment to use them, are usually available.
• Personal computers: Computer stations for public use, often with Internet access, are usually available. Ask your librarian how to sign up to use them.
• Meeting rooms: Your library may have rooms for discussions or study.