Finding Books in the Library
Locating books is an easy task, once you know how. If you have any trouble, ask a librarian. They are there to help you.
1. Start at the library home page (http://library.cortland.edu).
2. Underneath Find Books and More, click on Library Catalog.
- Words anywhere:
- Title begins with?
- Author (last name first)
- Subject Word(s)
Use when you want to find a word anywhere in the title, author, subject, or other areas. Usually, other searches will give you better results!
Use this when you know the title of the book (e.g., The Color Purple).
Use this when you know the author's name (e.g., "King, Stephen".
Use this when you know the topic (e.g. abortion). If you don't get anything, think of some other words that mean the same thing, and search with those.
4. Enter your search in the box.
If you use two words that are not next to each other, put "And" between them.
Click on "Search."
5. You may arrive at a screen that says "Browse an Alphabetical Index." (If you didn't, go to 6.) Look at the list, and click on the underlined link you want.
6. Look at the screen. This will show you the book's:
- Author
- Title
- Year of publication
- Library/items (how many copies the library owns, and how many are checked out), and
- Call number.
7. To find the book, you will need the entire call number. Write it down.
8. Our library is arranged by the Library of Congress system. Start your search at the staircase with brick walls and rocks at the bottom. You can also take the elevator that is behind you as you look at the staircase.
| Call Number | Floor |
| A-B | 1st Floor (where you entered the library) |
| C-H | 2nd Floor |
| J-N | 3rd Floor |
| P | 4th Floor |
| Q-Z (except TMC) | 3rd Floor |
If your call number does not start with one or two letters, check this chart. Otherwise, skip to step 9.
| Unusual Call Number | Location |
| Ref. | Books in Reference are located on the second floor. Turn left as you exit the staircase. They cannot be checked out, but you may consult them in the library. |
| TMC | Books in the Teaching Material Center. Take the staircase to the first floor and look for the large red sign to your left. |
| Periodicals Department, or no number | This is a journal or magazine. Take the staircase to the second floor, then look for the glass-enclosed stairs up to your left. Periodicals may not be checked out, but you may read them and make copies. |
9. Look for the letter first, then the complete number (999 comes before 1001), then the letter and number after the period.
10. Once you find your book, look at the shelf. Are there any other books that might help you nearby?
11. Take the stairs to the first floor, and turn left. You will see the circulation desk ahead. Check out your book with your Cortland ID.