The library catalog, which you can search using the big search box on the library homepage, will help you find library books, ebooks, articles, DVDs, and more.
Items available online (like an online article) will have a link labeled 'View ebook' or 'View full text.'
If you find a physical item (like a print book) then it will have a location and call number that tells you where it is located in the library.
Below you will find more information on using the catalog. You can also ask a librarian for help.
Materials in the Burbank and San Diego Libraries are in several locations with names like Main Stacks, Annex Stacks, Periodicals, Oversize, and more. Within each location, the items are in call number order starting with 'A' call numbers and ending with 'Z.'
EXAMPLE:
Location: Burbank Main Stacks / Call number: TH4809 .P16 K34 2008
The Main Stacks are the books going around the edge of the main room. Go there and find the TH section within the Main Stacks.
The Woodbury University Library uses Library of Congress call numbers (instead of Dewey Decimal). These call numbers are like a book's street address; they tell you where the book is and make sure that books on similar topics are next to each other.
The first letter(s) of a call number represent a broad subject and the remaining numbers get more specific
Example: N is 'Fine Arts', the NC sub-section is 'Drawing & Illustration,' and NC1766 is specifically 'Animated Films'.
If you are curious about what a certain call number means, see this overview or ask a librarian about more specific subjects (like 'Color theory').
You can place a hold on items that someone else has checked out.
NOTE: Holds are only used for items that are checked out, not for books that are currently in the library/available.
To find materials available at the San Diego campus using the catalog:
| Location name | Building | Where it is in the building |
| Annex Stacks | Annex building (other side of courtyard) | In two rooms beyond the restrooms. Each has a sign saying which call numbers are in that room |
| Main stacks | Main building | Wrapping around the left and right wall |
| Media Collection - Videos | Annex building (other side of courtyard) | Near annex entrance |
| New Books | Main building | Near the reference desk - look for books with yellow stickers |
| Oversize | Main building | Books on the left with blue stickers |
| Periodicals | Main building | To the right, next to the computers |
| Reference | Main building | Near the reference desk & around the study tables - look for books with red stickers |
| Reserve / Permanent Reserve |
Main building | Ask at the front desk |
| Atlas | Main building | In the loft, to the back left wall |
| Loft | Main building | Go toward the photocopier and take the door with a staircase on the other side. The loft is above the library entrance. |
| Over-oversize | Main building | Behind the computer table, near the periodicals |
| On-site storage | Main building | Ask at the front desk to get this item |
| Off-site storage | Main building | Ask at the front desk to get this item - it is stored off-campus |
