Using UNC Libraries
Reading a Call Number
Call numbers are used to find a book on the shelf. At UNC-Chapel Hill, call numbers used are based on the Library of Congress (LC) classification system. Books are organized by subject so you can browse the shelves for books on the same topic.
The first alphabetical component of an LC call number denotes the subject of that book. Each letter represents a designated subject, then within that designation, the subject is further narrowed.
For more information on how to use call numbers, visit the How do I... Read a Library of Congress Call Number? tutorial.
Checking Out Materials
Circulation is an important service you'll find in each of the UNC libraries. This is where you can:
- Check out books, videos and other library materials (with the exception of items in the general reference collections)
- Return library materials you have borrowed
- Recall a book that is currently checked out
- Pay library overdue fines
Your UNC One Card serves as your library card. You must present it at the circulation desk to check out library materials. You can also use your One Card to borrow library items from other area universities, such as Duke, NC State, and NC Central.
See the UNC Libraries' circulation page for more information.
Ask a Librarian
If at any point in your research you have trouble finding or accessing the information you need, please contact a reference librarian. Reference services are available in all of the UNC Libraries and through the libraries' web page. In Davis Library, reference assistance is provided at the Reserach and Instructional Services desk, located on the first floor.
Subject librarians are trained and highly skilled in searching the online catalog, electronic databases and indexes, and the World Wide Web. Teresa Chapa at Davis Library is the subject specialist for Latin American Studies.
You can access UNC Library Reference Services: in person, by phone, via e-mail, and via Live Online Help. To learn more about Reference Services or to contact a reference librarian, see the Ask a Librarian web page.
