How to...

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.

The Library is reference-only, meaning that all the books are available within the building. We use a system of marker cards to keep track of books in use. It is important for all readers to fill in marker cards, as this helps us to locate books quickly.

• Each book you remove from the shelf must be replaced with a marker card. Please fill in a new marker card for each book you use.
• There are spare marker cards on desks and next to windows on every floor. If you cannot find any, please ask at the Reading Room desk.
• 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.

Marker cards in use at the library

• Up to ten books may be reserved in the Reading Room for seven days. If more than ten books are reserved, all will be re-shelved.
• To reserve books, put a slip of paper inside each one stating your surname and today’s date. You can update the date each time you use the book.
• Books should be kept on the Reading Room reserve shelves under the first letter of your surname.
• All books left on desks will be removed for re-shelving at the end of the day.

Library Plan