Finding items on the shelf
The shelf numbers and where you can find them
Items in the library are organised by number (which correlates to the subject area), followed by the first three letters of the author's name. For example, John Curtin: A Life by David Day has the shelf number 994.04092 DAY. Books in this range are in the history, geography and biography category which, in the Robertson Library, is located on level 6.
The catalogue will always display the level on which the item is located.
Here's where you can find the ten broad categories in the Robertson Library:
| Level 4 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 000 — Computer science, information & general works | ||
| 100 — Philosophy and psychology | ||
| 200 — Religion | ||
| 300 — Social sciences | ||
| Level 5 | ||
| 350 — Social sciences (cont) | ||
| 400 — Language | ||
| 500 — Science (including mathematics) | ||
| Level 6 | ||
| 600 — Technology | ||
| 700 — Arts and recreation | ||
| 800 — Literature | ||
| 900 — History, geography, and biography | ||
What do the letters before the shelf number mean?
Some shelf numbers have a letter preceding the number:
- B and Q: booklets and quartos (large books), which are located at the end of the aisles.
- P: a periodical (journal or magazine)
- F: a folio
If an item is showing as available, but it's not on the shelf
If the catalogue displays "Check shelf" next to your item, it should be available on the shelf. If you still can't find it:
- check the sorting shelves for recently returned items
- in the Robertson Library, call extension 4183 on any internal telephone to ask for help
- ask for help at the Enquiries Desk.
It is possible that somebody else is using the item in the library, so you may need to wait a while and then re-check the shelves. If you still can't find the item, lodge a search request form at the Enquiries Desk (in the Robertson Library, forms are available on each floor). We will carry out daily searches for the item for the next five days.
If we locate it, you'll be notified by email or phone and the item will be placed on hold for you. If we are unable to locate it, the item will be marked as "missing" and where possible we will request another Curtin copy for you.
