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If the book is IN-LIBRARY, you can go to the library to check it out or use Book Delivery/Recall to have it delivered to a convenient Rutgers library location for you.
If the book is CHECKEDOUT or MISSING, use E-Z Borrow to request the book from a library outside of Rutgers.
If there are no copies listed in the catalog, use E-Z Borrow to request a copy. If there are no copies in the E-Z Borrow system (PALCI), use Interlibrary Loan and Article Delivery to request a copy from another library.
If the book is IN-PROCESS or PENDING, use Book Delivery/Recall to initiate priority processing and delivery.
If the book is ON ORDER, use Book Special Request to have the book delivered to you once it has been received.
This information was taken from the English 201 Research in the Disciplines libguide by Jill Nathanson.
Reference books such as encyclopedias are a great place to do some preliminary research. You can get a good overview about your topic, perhaps narrow down your topic if it was too broad before, and most importantly, identify seach terms to use when you begin your search for books and/or articles.
While the Rutgers University Libraries have many print reference books available, if you are currently off-campus, you may find it more convenient to use our online ones:
If you are interested in browsing the shelves of the library for books, keep in mind the Library of Congress classification system:
Section of the library | Topic |
Q | Science |
QC 801-809 | Geophysics. Cosmic physics |
QC 811-849 | Geomagnetism |
QC 851-999 | Meteorology. Climatology (including the earth's atmosphere) |
QE | Geology |
QH | Natural history |
QH 540-549.5 | Ecology |
QR 100-130 | Microbial ecology |