To find a library book at USask you'll need: 1) its location (which library has the book) and 2) the call number (where the book is located on the shelf)
You'll find a book's location and call number by looking at the item's record in the online catalogue, or in USearch. Be sure to check the library hours page before heading to the shelf!
Reading a Library of Congress call number
The majority of books at the University Library are filed in Library of Congress Call Number order. They are grouped together by subject.
When you look at an item's record, it displays the call number on one line like so:
When you look for a book on the shelf, the call number will be arranged vertically on the spine (outside edge) of the book, usually divided into four lines:
Read the call number from top to bottom, left to right, line by line:
- First line is one or two letters, read in alphabetical order.
- Second line is a whole number (from 1 to 9999)
- Third line is a decimal number, not a whole number (i.e. K89 comes before K9)
- Fourth line is either like the Third line only without a decimal point, or it is a date.
This video by Douglas College Library will teach you how to read call numbers:
Other types of call numbers
There are a few special collections in the library that use difference types of call numbers. These can be searched by using the Local Call Number option in the catalogue search.
You will not be able to find items with the location "Library Annex Storage" or "Temporary Storage" on the shelf. You will need to request these items for pickup at another library location.