• If you just need a chapter or small section, email us at library@letu.edu, and we can scan and send it to you (as long as it's under a certain amount of pages).

• If you need the entire book, you can request it through our ILL form. Visit the Document Delivery & ILL tab in this guide for more details.

• 

The Basics:

Each book gets a call number that works like an address on the shelf. Let’s break one down:

HQ1236 .S94 2021

• HQ = the subject (in this case, Women – Social and political status)

• 1236 = a more specific topic within that subject

• .S94 = the author’s last name, kind of like alphabetical order

• 2021 = the year it was published

How to Find a Book Using LoC:

1. Search the Library Catalog. Use keywords, titles, or author names. Once you find your book, write down (or screenshot) the call number.

2. Know the General Sections:

   • A–Z = Main subject areas (e.g., B = Philosophy, E–F = American History, P = Literature)

3. Follow the Signs in the Library. The shelves (also known as stacks) are labeled by call number ranges.

4. Read the Call Number in Order:

   • Start with the letters → then the whole number (e.g., 1236) → then the decimal (.S94) → then the year.

5. Celebrate! You’ve just located a book like a LoC pro.

Bonus Tip:

Don’t want to wander the stacks? Ask a librarian—they're LoC experts and happy to help.

Need help finding something? Just head to the library’s homepage and start a chat with us — we’re here to help!