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RS 370: Religion and Ecology

How to Find Books

Watch this video to learn how to use OneSearch to locate print and electronic books through the library. 

CSUN students, faculty, and staff can now borrow library books and physical media through its contactless Locker Pickup service. The lockers are located outside on the southeast corner of the Library portico ( see map ), and you are welcome to pick up your items 6:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. seven days a week. If you require an accommodation, please contact Library Guest Services at libcirc@csun.edu or call (818) 677-2274.

How Do I Search for Books?

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Finding Books Using OneSearch

You can search for books using OneSearch by typing in the title, author or keywords in the homepage OneSearch form.  Once the results page loads, you can use the limiters in the menus under "Refine My Results" to narrow your results. Selecting "books" under "Resource Type" will limit the results to eBooks and print books.  For eBooks only, select "Available Online at CSUN" under "Show Only"; for print books only, select "Available at CSUN" under "Show Only."  

Click the title heading of any given result item to view the full record.  In the full record, under "Online Access" you'll find the direct link to electronic text, if available. Ebooks can have different number of user access. Check in the notes section to see how many users can read the book at any given time.  The "Send To" menu offers tools for citing, emailing, or saving a record as a favorite.

Finding Books Using Library of Congress Classification

How Call Numbers Work

Book shelf showing call numbers, 3 arrows pointing to 3 parts of call number.
  • Figure 1: Books are shelved alphabetically by the first letter or letters.
  • Figure 2: Books are then arranged numerically by the number following the letter(s).
  • Figure 3: Finally, books are shelved alphabetically by the next letter and decimally by the following number.

What does the call number mean?

The Library of Congress Classification arranges materials by subjects. The first sections of the call number represent the subject of the book. The letter-and-decimal section of the call number often represents the author's last name. And, as you recall, the last section of a call number is often the date of publication. example:

call number example with 3 figures
  • Figure 1:
    • Book's title: What You Need to Know About Developing Study Skills, Taking Notes & Tests, Using Dictionaries & Libraries.  
    • Author: Coman, Marcia J.
    • Call number: LB2395 .C65 1991
  • Figure 2: The first two lines describe the subject of the book, LB 2395 = Methods of Study, in Higher Education.
  • Figure 3: This line often represents author's last name. .C65 = Coman

Because books are classified by subject, you can often find several helpful books on the same shelf, or nearby. For example, within the same call number LB2395, there are other guides for college study.

Four items shelved left to right with call numbers LB 2395.C6 1960, LB 2395.C65 1991, LB 2395.L447, KB 2395.054 1983
  • Figure 1: A Student's Guide to Efficient Study, by Luella Cole.
  • Figure 2: Keys to College Success, by Minnette Lenier.
  • Figure 3: A Successful Student's Handbook, by Rita Phipps.

Finding Books on Shelves

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