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Philosophy Research

This Library Research Guide provides a great starting point for students researching philosophy topics.

Locating a Print Book in the Library

The Bentley Library uses the Library of Congress (LC) Call Number System as a way to organize our books. These books are shelved by subject, so if you go to look for a book in the library - you might find others on your topic on the shelf right near the one you were looking for!

LC Call numbers are "read" alphanumerically. Look for the letters first, then the numbers! 

>Try it out! Use this call number test from Kent State University Libraries to practice your understanding of the Library of Congress system.

"Get It"

The "Get It" section of a book record will include the information on where to locate a physical item within the library. 

Image Capture of the "Get It' section of a print book record. Highlights 1. Location with availability, collection, and LC Call number. 2. Map It Button. 3. Request: Place a Hold feature.

  1. Location Information You will need the location information to find the book in the library. The Location will tell you which collection the book is in while the Call Number will help you to locate the book on the shelf. Make sure to check the Status - if it says available, that means the book is available to check out! 
  2. Click the Map it button in the catalog to open a map to point you towards the general area the book is in the library. Make sure to check which floor on the map where the book is located.
  3. Want to place a hold on a particular book? Make sure you are signed into your account to see the "Request: Place Hold on Bentley Item" option. You can select this option to place a hold on that book. Library Services will pull that book off the shelf and you can pick it up at the Library Services desk once you get an email saying it is ready.

Image capture of Map It feature in the Primo Catalog. Displays the map highlighting the location of a physical item in the library indicated by the map pin as well as written directions to the item's location.

Example image of a "Map it" for an item from the catalog.

If you need help finding a book in the building, please ask at the Reference Desk or the Library Services desk for help!