Consulting the catalogue

When searching for information, the first step is to consult the Library catalogue (OPAC) in order to find out whether the Library has the item (book, Av or periodical) you require and if so, where it is located.

Locating Items (Books, AVs, Periodicals).

You should start by consulting the online publlic access catalogue (OPAC) in the Library and elsewhere in the University compound via the available computer terminals or your laptop. The OPAC covers holdings of all items considered to be of academic, spiritual and general importance to users. The catalogue can further be accesed remotely anywhere via the internet. Therefore you can confirm whether the library has an item before coming to the library.

Note: If you cannot find the item you want or need help in using the OPAC, feel free to ask for help at the Circulation Desk or online through the Ask-a-Librarian platform.

Call Number. A call number is a unique address placed on the spine of a book that comprises of the main subject division and subdivisions, book mark and the year of publication. This information is crucial in locating any resource within the library as items are arranged by their Call numbers on the shelves.  They are  alphanumeric and are arranged in ascending order.

When you identify the book, AV or periodical you need in the catalogue, note down the call number accurately and in full. Strathmore University Library uses the Library of Congress classification scheme (LC). An LC call number is normally a combination of letters and numbers. For example a full call number appears as follows:

LB…………………………Indicates the main subject

2327……………………….Represents the subdivision

.Y53……………………….Authors details

2010………………………Year of publication

The arrangement of LC classification scheme represents the order of the items on the shelves: e.g. LB2327.Y53 2010 comes before LB2328.C54 2010

Entry. An entry in the online catalogue includes information about the items' location. If an item is on open shelves, reserve or reference section, the above arrangement still applies.

Open shelves. If you are fetching a book from the open shelves you will find that the book's call number  is typed on a spine label and attached at the back of the book. Items are shelved upright with the back facing out. This is to enhance access and retrieval. Furthermore there are shelf guides on each floor and shelf.

Once you have found the item you require, you may read it there, or if you have borrowing rights, borrow it out as per the circulation rules.

Note. You are asked NOT to replace books on the shelves, but to leave them on the tables

New Arrivals. Recently catalogued items are displayed for a short period in a special shelf that is stationed near the circulation desk