How Are Books Organized on the Shelves?
We arrange every book, video, DVD, CD, map, or magazine on the shelves in the library by subject. Like other academic libraries, we use the Library of Congress Classification System to assign Call Numbers to our materials so that books, etc. on similar topics are next to each other on the shelves.
You need to know a book's call number in order to get it off the shelf in the library. This CSU, Los Angeles guide entitled, Understanding Call Numbers provides a useful introduction to the organizational scheme. Call numbers are a book's address on the shelves, they tell you the subject of the book, and make sure that books on the same subject are shelved together.
Need Books from Other Libraries?
If you're looking for a book that the MJC Library doesn't have either in print or electronically, don't worry; we can have it sent to you here from another library. This service is called, Interlibrary Loan, and it allows us to locate and get copies of library materials sent here from other libraries around the country or around the world for you to check out and return here.
Find out more about this service and request to borrow materials from other libraries on the Library's Web site.
How Do I Place a Hold?
You can place a hold on an item that is currently checked out; when it is returned, you will be notified by email. You can also place a hold on an item in Columbia's library and it will be sent to MJC for you. Or even place a hold from home on an item on MJC's shelf so it doesn't get checked out by anyone else before you get to the library.
To learn how, view this 3-minute video tutorial or read the transcript.
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