How to Find an Author in the Stacks
FAQ: How do I find a particular author's book in the library?
[In the hope of getting back to normal]
Books in academic libraries are organized by Library of Congress call numbers offering a complex in-house navigation system. A combination of letters and numbers on the spine, each call number is unique to a book title, providing the exact location of a book in the library with similar books in close proximity.
Example: Browse the shelves of a physical library to find works by Joyce Carol Oates at call number PS 3565 A8. Follow the signs marked outside the stacks to find the call numbers, once you know it from QuickSearch.
Help from Rutgers University Libraries
Library services are available online while our buildings are closed.
Please visit the Libraries website for up-to-date information on the operating status of the libraries.
How to Find eBooks in Rutgers Libraries
Start with QuickSearch on the Rutgers University Libraries home page
- Enter your search term(s) and run your search.
- Once you have results, use the options at the left to limit to eBooks.
- Under “Limit to” select Available Online.
- Under ‘Resource Type” select Book.
- Select any title from the results list to view the complete details, including the link for online access.
See more tips on how to find an electronic book, including advanced database options.
Interested in something new?
- Browse the latest eBooks acquired by the library.
How to Find Articles
Start with QuickSearch on the Rutgers University Libraries home page
- Enter your search term(s), you will get a list of results.
- Use the left panel to "Limit to" Peer-reviewed journals (if your assignment says so)
- OR
- Under ‘Resource Types” select Articles and/or Newspaper Articles
- Under “Limit to” select Available Online.
- Select any title from the results list to view the complete details, including the link for online access
TIP: watch the video for more
Getting Help from Rutgers Libraries
Get help from RUL -- All options on one page
Chat: There are librarians online 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. any day of the week.
BEST for instant answers, brief interactions, short troubleshooting.
EXAMPLES: asking for quick help, locating or downloading full text of a known article, reporting or verifying an error, clarifying a minor detail, help to decide what database to use, short literature search, etc.
Email: Send questions via email. Most questions get a response within 24 hours!
BEST for complex questions, troubleshooting that require more time,
EXAMPLES: questions from instructor, searching
Direct help from a librarian: schedule a Webex meeting with a subject specialist
BEST for complex questions, troubleshooting that require more time and
EXAMPLES: discussing library instruction for your course, finding resources for your class,
Research Guides: Our subject research guides will help you find a wealth of information on your topic
BEST for general overview, orientation, finding basic resources
EXAMPLES: identify databases for a topic, find resources for a paper, check citation styles