How to Find What You Need at the Library

The library can be a confusing place if you aren't aware of the different categories, ways of arranging titles, etc. that librarians use to organize books. Knowing the basics of library organization can help you navigate a library efficiently and easily. Here are the basics of library book organization.

Fiction. The fiction, or "not real" titles in libraries are arranged in alphabetical order by the author's last name. Fiction titles are typically separated out by adult, young adult, and juvenile, sometimes called children's. Adult fiction titles are for just that, adults. Young adult books are aimed at teens in middle school through high school. Juvenile fiction books are for upper elementary, lower middle school children. Fiction titles are marked with an "F" and then the first three letters of the author's last name.

Non-Fiction. Non-fiction books in the library are "real" books and are categorized by the Dewey Decimal System. The Dewey Decimal System arranges non-fiction books by subject headings. For example, all language books are in the 400s, while all cooking books are found in the 600s. For more information on decoding the Dewey Decimal System, check out this article. Non-Fiction titles have a call number that includes the Dewey Decimal number and also the first three letters of the author's last name beneath it.

Biographies. Sometimes categorized as number "92" in the non-fiction section, biographies typically have their own library section and are marked with a "B." Biographies are books about people. This section is arranged by the biographee, which is the person that the book is written about. So if you are looking for a biography on Michael Jackson, you would look for "Jac" on the spine.

Everybody. Once referred to as "easy" books, most children's books are located in the Everybody book section. The books in this section of the library are marked with the letter "E" followed by the first three letters of the author's last name. They are arranged alphabetically. Sometimes this section of the library also has a toddler section. In this section, titles are typically marked with a "T" and then just the first letter of the author's last name. This sub-section of the children's department typically contains board books.

Reference. Reference books in the library include such titles as dictionaries, encyclopedias, atlases, and almanacs. These items are typically not for check-out, but just for use within the library. Most reference works are marked with an R, then followed by the appropriate Dewey Decimal number and possibly the first three letters of the author's last name or publisher's name. This makes reference works arranged by subject, so all like reference materials will be found in the same section.

Other Sections. Just among the books located in the library (this is leaving out audio/visual, periodicals, music, etc), there may be a few sub-categories. Some libraries have a large print section. Others break down some of the fiction section into genres such as mystery, romance, etc. There may be displays of new books, or seasonal books appropriate for the time of year. If you know you are looking in the right area of the library, but still can't find the title you're seeking, try looking in one of these specials sections. Of course, you can always ask the librarian.

Knowing a little bit about how the library is arranged will help you save time and find exactly what you're looking for. Follow these simple tips for navigating your own local library.