Books

• Use the Keyword function and combine terms to search on a topic then use the subject headings from relevant books for additional search terms.
• Write down the call number and location for any book you want. If the item is not at your campus use the "I Want It" button to request it. 
• For electronic books, click the link under the words "online content" to access the full text

You can also find books via

• Check books out at the nearest lending desk. 
• Loan periods are usually one semester
• Books can be recalled for another user, so respond ASAP to library notices. 

If you need help locating a book on the library shelves please ask at one of our service desks. 

Most books in the Penn State University Libraries are arranged according to the Library of Congress Classification system. Under this system books are organized by subject. Call numbers are located on the spine of the book. 

For example: 

QL 
698.9 
.U595 
2000 

Books on the same subject will be located together on the shelf. For example, all books with a call number beginning with QL will be about birds.  

When looking for a book on the library shelves make sure you first make note of the full call number and the location. Books in the library catalog may be located at any of our campus libraries as well as at multiple locations at the University Park campus. 

How to read a call number 

First line: One, two or three letters that are read alphabetically: Q comes before QL, QL comes before QR 

Second line: These are read as whole numbers: 696 comes before 698.9 

Third line: The letters begin with a decimal point and are read alphabetically: .A comes before .B 

The numbers are read as a decimal: .U595 comes before .U67 

There may be another line of letters and numbers. If so those numbers are also read as decimals. 

Fourth line: Year of publication 

For more information and examples see How to Read Library of Congress Call numbers from the University of Louisville library.