Getting Around in the Reference Library
Because of the arrangement of the Reference Library, not all books are located in call number order along the wall. Below are answers to some of the most common questions about how to find books and other materials in the Reference Library.
- How do I find where a book is located in the Reference Library?
- What do these locations mean?
Wall Collection | Reference Desk Collection | Index Tables | Encyclopedia and Atlas Cases | Cases A, B, C, D - Where are books with call numbers beginning with "Q," "A," "B," or "C"?
- Should I reshelve the books I use?
- Can books in the Reference Library be checked out?
- Can I ask a Reference Librarian for help?
How do I find a book in the Reference Library?
If you know the title:
- Step 1. Find the call number by using the online catalog. The Reference Room has a number of different locations in which books are held, and the Reference Library has all of these locations reflected in the online catalog.
- Step 2. Find the location. If you find it in the online catalog the location will be indicated at the bottom of the catalog record (e.g. Reference Atlas Case or Reference Encyclopedia Case).
- If location says..."Reference" ...the book can be found shelved in the wall collection.
- If location says..."Index Tables"...the book or index can be found on one of the Index Tables on the north and south side of the Reference Library.
- If location says..."Case A, B, C, or D"...the book can be found in the tall bookcases at the north end of the Reference Library. Each case is identified by a letter.
If you know the call number:
Begin with Step 2 above.
What do these locations mean?
- Wall Collection
The collection of reference books that are found along the walls of the Reference Library. Call number range begins with 001 on the west wall to the left (north) of the entrance, ending with 999 on the west wall to the right (south) of the entrance. - Index Tables
These tables house various types of indexeds including periodical indexes, bibliographies of books in print, indexes to conference proceedings, and Dissertation Abstracts. They are located to the north (left) and south (right) of the entrance to the Reference Library. Each table is identified by its directional location, e.g., 1st NW table. - Encyclopedia and Atlas Cases
National, international, and a few multi-volume subject encyclopedias are housed in low shelves on the north side of the room. Large atlases are shelved in the atlas case in front of these shelves. - Cases A, B, C, D
These tall bookcases located at the north end of the room house national and special library catalogs such as the National Union Catalog. Each case is marked by its letter designation (A, B, C, or D).
Where are books with call numbers beginning with "Q," "A," "B," or "C"?
- Call numbers with "Q" (oversize) are shelved in the wall collection
- Call numbers with "A" (bibliography) are the equivalent of 016 (e.g. A.050b778 = 016.050b778)
- Call numbers with "B" (biography) are the equivalent of 920 (B = 920)
- Call numbers with "C" (items related to UIUC) are shelved between 378.999 and 379 (in the wall collection)
Should I reshelve the books I use?
We prefer that users leave the books on the tables or place them on a booktruck. We make an exception for GSLIS students who can reshelve the books they use as a courtsey to their colleagues who may also need to use the same books.
Can books in the Reference Library be checked out?
No, all of the books in the Reference Library are non-circulating and cannot be checked out or taken from the room.
Can I ask a Reference Librarian for help?
Reference Librarians are available at the Information Desk almost all days of the week and also nights and weekends. Click here for current hours. Please ask them if you have any questions about locating items in the Reference Library. You can also ask a question online using the the Ask a Librarian service.
