Ask A Librarian

The library uses the Library of Congress Classification system to categorize most items in the library. Print Books, DVDs, print Reference books, print periodicals, children’s books, and items in Special Collections are some of the items in the library that are categorized using the Library of Congress Classification System.

Items in Government Documents use a different classification system called SuDocs.

Where items are located:

• Stacks (Print Books) – located on 4th and 5th floors; due dates vary but are typically for one semester
• Popular Reading (new fiction, non-fiction) - located on 3rd floor; due dates vary but are typically for one semester
• New Arrivals - located on 3rd floor; due dates vary but are typically for one semester
• DVDs – located on the 2nd and 3rd floors; can be borrowed for 7 days
• Print Reference – located on the 2nd floor; do not circulate - must stay in the Library
• Journals/Magazines/Newspapers – located on the 2nd floor; do not circulate - must stay in the Library
• Special Collections – located on the 4th floor; do not circulate - must be used in the Library

Call Numbers:

• Each item in the library has its own call number.
• The call number is the address of the item.
•  If the call number starts with the letters A-Z (only) this is a print book.
•  If the call number has any of the following before the call number, this tells you that it is a specific type of item:
  • POP - Popular Reading materials
  • DVD – a DVD
  • REF – a Reference Book
  • PER – Print Journal/Magazine/Newspaper
  • SPC – Special Collections

Finding Items in the Library:

• Items are shelved by call number.
• To find the item, go to the floor for that type of resource and look for information on the end caps.
• That will tell you what call number range of items is in that row.
• Remember:
  • Stacks – 4th/5th floors
  • Reference – 2nd floor
  • DVDs – 2nd/3rd floors
  • Special Collections – 4th floor
  • Journals/Magazines/Newspapers – 2nd floor

For more information, please contact a Research Librarian by email at libref@frostburg.edu or via chat.