Frequently Asked Questions

Three (3) important elements are necessary to locate each item: Location, Call Number, and Status. 

The Location tells the general area in the library where the item is kept. Some common locations include:

• Main Shelves indicates that the book is part of our circulating collection on the fourth floor. The main shelves are labeled with teal signs.
• Reference (Building Use Only) indicates that the item is part of our non-circulating collection. These items can not be checked out, but can be viewed within the library. Shelves with reference materials are labeled with yellow signs.
• Reserve (Borrow/Reserve Desk) indicates that the item is a course reserve. Course reserves are found at the Borrow Desk on the third floor. Course reserves can be checked out for three (3) hours at a time. For more information on course reserves, please see the FAQ How do I find course reserves?
• Special Collection (Borrow/Reserve Desk) indicates that the item is part of the Hunt Library's Special Collections. Items in Special Collections can not be checked out but can be used within the library. For more information, please see the FAQ Where are the library's Special Collection materials located?
• Leisure Books indicate that the books are part of our leisure reading collection located on the third floor next to the Borrow Desk, unless stated otherwise.
• Graphic Novels indicate that the book is in the Graphic Novel collection located on the 4th floor next to the elevator.

The Call Number reveals where the item is located on the shelf (call numbers are arranged alphanumerically). Each shelf is labeled with the range of call numbers that can be found on that shelf. Each item has a label with the call number on the bottom of the spine. To see where materials are located, click here for the Hunt Library Floor Plan.

The Status shows whether or not the item is currently checked out.

• Available indicates that the item should be on the shelf in its designated place.
• Out of Library indicates that the item is currently checked out. Clicking on this status will show you when the item is due.

If you are unable to find the item you are looking for, please stop by the Ask Desk or contact Ask a Librarian for help locating the item.