How the library is organized
Physical things such as books, journals, and DVDs or CDs will all have a call number which allows you to find their precise location in the library.
In Tripod, you will first see which college, library, and part of the collection holds that item. Then there is a string of letters and numbers.
Two examples:
Haverford Lutnick Library General Collection B 52. 7 .M37 1996
Haverford Lutnick Library Art NX 74 .1 1989
Here is how to understand and use the call number.
- First, note the collection for the item. You will need to go to a certain part of the library. (The map below will help.)
- The "General Collection" is on Level 0 (the basement).
- "Art" is in the east part of Level 2 (the top floor).
- "General Oversize Collection" is also in the east part of Level 2.
- "Photography" is in the north wing off of the east part of Level 2.
- The "Reference Collection" is in the center part of Level 2, underneath the skylights near the north entrance.
- Next, read the letter(s) at the beginning of the string.
- The second letter subdivides the first. (For example, BC comes before C, DS comes before E or EC, etc.)
- If there is only one letter at the beginning, all of these will come before subdividing letters, so B 52 would come before BA 3.)
- If numbers come after (or closely after) a period, read them like decimals.
- For example, .M37 would come before .M4; .B239 would come before B.8.
