Library skills

Using libraries

You should learn how and where to find books in libraries.

You don't need to spend hours and hours searching for information.

Careful selection is better than borrowing dozens of books.

Libraries can be good places to work - but beware of browsing as a pleasant distraction.

Make a record

It's very important that you keep a full record of any books you use.

This can save you lots of time which might be spent in later searches.

On all your notes, extracts, and photocopies, make an exact record of the book.

Author - Title - Publisher - Date - Page
Smith, J, Economics Made Easy, Macmillan, 1987, p.134

You should also write down the library catalogue number - especially if you need to use the book again.

Catalogue numbers

Most libraries use some version of the Dewey classification system.

Every book is given an individual number, as in the following example of a catalogue record card.
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HOWE (John) and SMITH (Mary) 910.17 H/115

Environmental Medicine (second edition) London: Pitman, 1985

(Studies in the environment No.38)

BAS 58
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The number 910.17 is the Dewey section on environmental studies (geography).

The shelf number H/115 has been allocated under H for Howe.

It is the 115th book in the series listed under 'H'.

The book will be located in the basement (BAS) in section 58.

Don't forget that libraries catalogue books under author surname first.