Frequently Asked Questions
Finding and Checking Out Books
How do I find books?
To find books and other resources such as videos, maps, and music recordings in the UWM Libraries' collections,
search PantherCat, the online catalog. You can search for a specific book by title or author. Use the keyword search if you are looking for books on a specific topic. For more information, check the
Guide to Searching PantherCat, use the Help pages available in PantherCat,
or see the Using PantherCat tutorial.
As you identify titles of interest, examine each book's record for location, call number, and status:
- The location "Stacks" indicates the general collection. The "Stacks" are areas of shelving located all over the library. Use the first letter of the call number to determine where to go in the building. For call numbers starting with:
| A-L, P |
go to the 3rd floor |
| M |
go to the 2nd floor and across to the east wing |
| N, Q, R |
go to the 2nd floor - west wing |
| S-Z |
go to the lower level - east wing. |
In location you may also see a number of special areas in the building, such as Music Library, Reference, Archives, etc. Ask a librarian at the Information Desk for help if you are unsure where to go.
- The call number is essential to locating any item. For most books, the libraries use the Library of Congress classification system, which consists of letters and numbers. The first letter or letters represent a subject area. Within a broad subject area, the books are arranged in numerical order. Since books on the same subject are given similar call numbers, once you locate a call number, browse the shelves to find more books on the same topic. See below for more information regarding call numbers.
- The status indicates whether the book is available to be checked out. If the status says "Not checked out," the book should be on the shelf. You can check it out at the circulation desk in the lobby of the west wing with a valid student, faculty, or staff ID. If the book is checked out to another user, you may place an online "Recall Request" via PantherCat. For more information about online recall requests, check PantherCat Help.
Electronic book information is available on the Electronic Books page.
