A library is really a big place, filled up with thousands or even thousands of books. How will you find just the books you will need? A librarian is definitely there to work with you, but you should find a book by yourself by browsing the shelves or checking the catalog, that is usually in some type of computer on a table, accessible and use.
Steps:
1. Investigate. If that is your first-time in a library that's new to you, take the time to look around and move on to know the place. Spot the signs in the building and the entire system. If it's a more substantial building, search for maps or directories close to the entrance.
*Notice that shelves and areas are marked with the forms of materials that are inside them. Pay particular focus on sections that interest you
2. Consult the catalog. Many libraries will have computerized catalogs on computer terminals through the entire building. Some might still have a vintage card catalog on index cards in drawers. In any event, there are a few standard methods to search a card catalog.
*Title search. Once you learn the book's title, searching for this. In a paper card catalog, you'll search alphabetically. Generally, though, ignore "a" or "the" if it's the initial word. Thus, The Count of Monte Cristo will undoubtedly be filed alphabetically under "Count". Computerized catalogs vary, but you'll usually decide on a title search and enter at least the initial few words of the title.
*Author search. Once you learn the writer of the book, or if you're interested in other functions by a favorite author, searching for that. Authors are often listed by their last names.
*Subject search. Once you learn what you want to learn about, or you're looking for particular information, nevertheless, you have no idea the title of a particular book, get one of these subject search. A topic that's too broad risk turning up way too many results, including other related subjects. A topic that's too narrow may possibly not be cataloged. Unless you find quite what you would like the very first time, try searching on different words.
*Keyword search. Most electronic catalogs enables you to explore a keyword or words. For instance, searching on the keyword "French" would find any book with that word in the title, be it about French cooking, French tourism, or French kissing.
3. Notice whether your book is tested. Many computerized catalogs, especially, tie into the circulation database to inform you whether a book is on the shelves or is unavailable. If it's checked out, since now can help you save a trip.
4. Make notes. Once you find the book you need in the catalog, jot down the decision number and any information about the positioning of the book. Most libraries offer scraps of paper near their catalogs. These details tells you how to locate the book.
*Remember that nonfiction books will undoubtedly be shelved separately by some type of classification system (typically the most popular will be the Dewey Decimal System and the Library of Congress Classification system.) Each book is given lots according to its subject material. The books are then arranged to be able on the shelves by these numbers.
*Fiction books are arranged alphabetically by the author's last name. In the event that you search for The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by title, the catalog will tell you firmly to search for the book in the Fiction section under Adams. Some libraries divide out certain genres of fiction, such as for example mystery, romance, westerns and science fiction. If your book is one of these brilliant, write that down, too.
5. Go discover the book(s) you've chosen. Follow the signs in the library, then your labels on the ends of the shelves, and labels on the spine of every book to find your book.
*Remember that should you have found a nonfiction book on a subject in which you're interested, only a number of the remaining library stock may also be in exactly the same area. Oversize books and special collections could be housed elsewhere.
6. Consider new possibilities. If you are not sure what things to read, there are lots of methods to find suggestions and possibilities in a library, too.
*See how many other books your preferred authors have written. Browse the summaries or browse in the books to see should they interest you, and consider checking them out. Usually a writer which has written one good book probably has written more.
*If you can't remember any particular author, just see the shelf, picking right up random books, reading the info in the cover, reading the initial page or even more, to see if you're thinking about the book. It is possible to narrow it down by browsing in a specific section, genre, or subject that interests you.
*Look at the library displays to see if the books featured there catch your interest. Also shop around to see when there is a section or display for new books.
*Try the reference section. The library has books there that list, categorize, index and rate books.
*Tell a librarian everything you prefer to read. he/she might be able to make some recommendations.
*Look in the periodicals section, to purchase magazines with book reviews like Publisher's Weekly as well as People and Rolling Stone. You might check out the Ny Times book reviews section. Or, see what magazines you gravitate towards and discover if you can find books on those topics.
*Check out the computer databases. Some U.S. libraries sign up to an enormous online database about books called NoveList, for instance.
*Look for award-winners. You can find lists available of from Pulitzer winners to book club features. If you want to read something beyond your usual genres, award winners certainly are a great place to begin.
*Reread a vintage favorite. Harry Potter continues to be light, fun reading.
