LibGuides: Library 101: Western Library In-Person and Online: Finding Books in Western Library

How do I find physical books in the library?

library books with call numbers on spine labels

Does Western even have a library?!

Absolutely! The Western Library is located within the Learning Commons, room 212, on the second floor of the Student Success Center.

How do I find a book on the shelves?

There are two main ways you can find materials in the library:
- Browse the shelves - Books are organized by subject using the Library of Congress (LC) Classification System
- Search the online catalog - Library Search
Of course, your librarians are here to help! Just ask, and we'll help you find your book.

What are those white labels on the book spines?

Notice the combination of letters and numbers on the labels in the photo above? This code is called a Call Number. Call Numbers simply tell you where a book lives in the library. You can think of it as a book's unique address on the shelf.
A few interesting facts about Call Numbers:
- The letter or letters a call number begins with correspond to broad subject categories
- The remaining numbers and letters contain more information about a book's content, title, and author
- Consider the Call Numbers in the image above. They all begin with NC.
  - The subject category, N, is Fine Arts and the subcategory, NC, is Drawing, Design, and Illustration
  - Think of NC like the name of street you live on while the other numbers and letters provide the specific shelf "address".

Want to browse the shelves by subject area? Use the list below.

A – General works (including dictionaries, history of scholarship and learning, etc.)
B – Philosophy, psychology, religion
C – Auxiliary sciences of history (including history of civilization, archaeology, etc.)
D – World history
E-F – History of the Americas
G – Geography, anthropology, recreation
H – Social sciences
J – Political science
K – Law
L – Education
M – Music
N – Fine arts
P – Language and literature
Q – Science
R – Medicine
S – Agriculture
T – Technology
U-V – Military science, naval science
Z – Library science, general information resources

Feeling inspired and want to learn more? Visit the LOC's official website and explore the Library of Congress Classification System.

With Western's new library catalog, Library Search, users can locate books, eBooks, audiobooks, and academic articles all from one spot!
Search by title, author, subject, or keywords.
If you are looking for a physical book , under Filter by Format check the Print book box. All remaining results will be in the library.
Checkout at the Main Desk with your Western ID.

If you can't find the book you want at Western Library, try La Crosse Public Library or your local public library.

Public library cards are FREE!

Check out books and other materials - DVDs, CDs/audiobooks, and the Library of Things!
Access the library's online databases
Download eBooks, audio books, streaming video.

Do you need a local public library card? Wisconsin residents can get one for FREE.