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wikiHow to Locate a Book in a Library

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  • How do I identify a fiction book in the library?
    wikiHow Contributor
    You can ask a Librarian to show you the Fiction section. However, if you have already found a book and are not sure if it is fiction or not, you can check a few places on the book to see. 1) The cover. Many times a book will say "A Novel" if it is fiction. 2) The back side of the title page. Look at the Library of Congress Cataloging Publication Data. After the subject there will be a dash, then the word "Fiction" if it is fiction.
  • Is it free to get a book from a library?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Yes, it is free to borrow a book from the library. If you don't return it on time, though, you may have to pay a fine.
  • How do I know if a book is in the library or not?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Usually in a library there is a catalogue that lists all the books in circulation at a time. Using this catalogue, look up the book you would like to check out and look at its information. There is usually a count of how many copies the library owns and how many are checked out; if there is less checked out than the library owns, the book is still available for checkout.
  • What do the numbers on the books mean?
    wikiHow Contributor
    The numbers are a way a library sorts books and is called the Dewey Decimal system. These numbers tell not only where the book should be housed on shelves, but what kind of material it contains. For example, books 000-099 are classified as Generalities, and usually consist of Encyclopedias, Newspapers, etc., while books 100-199 are Philosophy and Psychology, and so on.
  • How can I get to the library catalog on my iPhone?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Some libraries have an app, which you can find on their website or the app store. If your library doesn't have an app, you will have to visit the library website using the browser (e.g. Safari) on your iPhone.
  • What is the circulation section?
    wikiHow Contributor
    The circulation section of a library has many functions and is one of the key components of a library. Some functions include lending material, checking in material, maintaining shelves by replacing checked-in material and solving any conflicts that may appear, i.e. inappropriate patron actions, open drinks and/or food, high noise levels, etc.
  • Where do I put a book I am not checking out?
    wikiHow Contributor
    If you have no intention of checking out the book, there are usually librarians who can reshelve the book for you around. Attempting to reshelve the book yourself often can lead to the book being misplaced and lost for a while.
  • How are biographical books labeled?
    wikiHow Contributor
    That depends on the library. Many libraries have a separate section for biographies, which are sorted by the last name of the person they are about.
  • How do I find a book in the card catalog when I only remember the author and not the title?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Most library catalogs will allow a search by author. You can also ask a librarian who can tell you if the book is available at that library or not.
  • Where are nonfiction books located?
    wikiHow Contributor
    There is a section just for non-fiction books, where they are ordered by their Dewey or LCON call number.
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      • Audio books on tape, CD or MP3.
      • Music recordings on CD.
      • CD-ROM computer software (often instructional).
      • Magazines and newspapers.
      • DVD and VHS videos.
      • Framed artwork.
      • Pamphlets, brochures, maps, atlases.
      • Telephone directories.
      • Engraving tools.



    Things You'll Need

    • A list of the authors you are interested in
    • A list of previous books that you enjoyed reading
    • A library card

    Sources and Citations


    Article Info

    Categories: Libraries

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