To find the title you are looking for, you need to go through two basic stages:
1. First, you need to check whether the requested title is available in the Library collection.
You can do this by searching the Library’s online catalogue at: http://crolist.ffos.hr/
You can download the Instructions for searching the Library catalogue to your device.
Depending on what information you already have about the title you are looking for, you can search using different parameters, most commonly by title or author.
Once you find the requested title in the catalogue, it is important to write down its call number.
Example:
A call number is a type of “address” indicating where the title you need can be found in the Library.
A call number consists of three parts.
The first part is a numerical UDC number (Universal Decimal Classification), which is used to classify and arrange library materials into subject groups. The second part of the call number consists of the first three letters of the author’s surname, or the first three letters of the title if the material has no author. The third part of the call number contains the first letter of the title.
Example of a call number in a catalogue record obtained by searching the online catalogue: 801 ; MAL, m
The same call number appears on the book as follows:
801
MAL
m
Here, 801 is the Universal Decimal Classification number for linguistics, MAL refers to the author Malmberg, and m is the first letter of the title “Moderna lingvistika”.
With the call number, or call numbers for several titles, you can go to the Library and show them to a librarian, who will then bring you the book or books. However, if you do not wish to wait in line, or if you would like to test one aspect of your information literacy skills, you can look for the book yourself on the shelves and proceed to the second stage.
2. Using the layout of the Library collection, locate the first part of the call number of the title you need.
Once you have identified the location of the relevant subject group for the title you are looking for, you are close to your goal. Now pay attention to the second part of the call number, namely the first three letters of the author’s surname, and follow the alphabetical order until you find the author you need. Every book in the Library has a white label with its call number on the lower right-hand side of the back cover, which will help you reach your final goal and find the book you need.
Do not be discouraged by unsuccessful attempts. Practice makes perfect. The final result will be rewarding and give you a sense of achievement. Once you learn the basic principles of using libraries, you will be able to find your way around libraries regardless of the city or country in which they are located, and you will no longer need to depend entirely on library staff.
If you are still unsure how to find the book you need in the Library, or if you would like help developing your information literacy skills, we will be happy to assist you. We organize afternoon group training sessions. You can register by emailing knjiznica@ffos.hr with training in the subject line and providing your basic details, or by completing a written registration form at the Library.