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Warburg Library Research Guides

Introduction    Image   Word    Orientation  Action

Test classification guide

Introduction

The Warburg Classification System is unique to the library. The library is based on Aby Warburg's personal collection, and a unique interdisciplinary classification system was devised to incorporate Warburg's 'law of the good neighbour'. Every book is a 'good neighbour' to those beside it.

It is divided into four main themes - Image (history of art), Word (language, literature and the transmission of texts), Orientation (religion, philosophy, magic and science) and Action (cultural and political history) - the classification system encourages readers to explore the collections, make new connections and ask new questions.Further information about the library and it's history can be found on this page.

This guide includes all of the classmarks, shelf locations and links to the shelf list for browsing in the library.

To search in more detail for authors, titles, subjects, keywords and ISBN numbers, go to the Library Catalogue search page.

(The search box on this page searches only this site, and not the library catalogue)

How the classification system works:

The first letter of the classmark of a book indicates the floor on which it is to be found.

The sequence of classmarks on the shelves does not follow the order of the alphabet.

Download subject maps below:

Image 101.53 KB

Etc

How to find books

Finding Books

The Warburg Library's classification system is unique and is intended to help browsing readers find new and unfamiliar material. There are subject lists at the end of each set of shelves to aid browsing.

If you are looking for a specific title, this is the quickest way to find a book:

  • Search the online catalogue on the Library website and note the classmark of the book you wish to find.
  • Check the library plan. The first letter of the classmark indicates the floor on which the book is to be found.
  • At the entrance to each floor there are classmark location lists for that floor - one list for standard-sized books and a separate list for Large Size books.
  • Each bay of shelves is numbered. The location lists show the bay number(s) for each classmark. Locate the relevant bay(s) to find your book.
  • You must fill in a marker card for each book  you take from the shelf. Find marker cards next to desks and windows. Take a spare one, fill in the information about the book, your name and the floor you are working on. Put the marker card on the shelf where the book was.
  • Once you have finished with  your books, please do not re-shelve books. Leave them on the re-shelving trolleys on any floor, or next to the enquiries desk in the Reading Room.
  • The Library is reference-only, meaning that all the books may not be borrowed or removed from the building.

Marker cards in use

News and updates from the refurbishment

What's available and where is updated in our blog below

 

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