Many times students come into the library with an assignment to complete. Some of those students seem to find the information with ease while others seem to wander aimlessly. Often the student who seems confused doesn’t really know what he/she is looking for or doesn't know where to look.
Explore every link to complete the class!
To begin a library assignment, the student must first understand the different means libraries use to classify books. Since the 1800's two systems have been widely used in the United States. Most large libraries and academic libraries use the Library of Congress System while smaller libraries and many school libraries use the Dewey Decimal System. It is not necessary to memorize the various classifications and their numbers; it is only important to know that there are differences and to understand the basic differences. As you become familiar with the methods used to organize books, you may choose to browse through the stacks. However, the best way to find a specific subject, author or title is by using an online catalog search like the Taft College CougarCat or the Kern County ValleyCat.
NOTE: The Taft College library uses the Library of Congress System while the local Kern County Library uses the Dewey Decimal System.
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When using either form of catalog, you will look up books by author, title, or subject. Additionally, keywords, publisher and series can be accessed through the online catalog. No matter which form you use the following bibliographic information will be provided:
One last, but very important, item on either form of cataloging is the call number. The call number is very much like the book's address. It is not only listed in the catalog, but it is located on the book's spine. The first line of the call number relates to the subject of book; therefore, books about the same subject will be located in the same area.
Assignment 1
(pdf file, opens in a new window)
Print, complete, and turn in!