How do I...?
(Library FAQs & Quick Reference Guide)
The Basics:
Information About the Library:
Technical Support:
Research & More:
- Click the Catalog tab at the top of the page.
- Click the Renewals/Library Account box.
- Type in your Library Number (14 digit barcode number on the back of your FIU Panthercard).
- Type in your Verification number.
- Click Sign-In.
- Click Loans.
- Choose the items you want to renew by clicking on the Renew button.
Call numbers are the numbers you see on the outside covers of the books in the FIU Libraries. Call numbers are usually based on a classification system. In the FIU Library, call numbers are based on one of three classification systems:
Library of Congress Classification (LC)
Most of our books and periodicals have call numbers based on this system. The LC call number is a combination of letters and numbers looking something like this: HA1252.A52
This series of letters and numbers helps you locate items in the building. Refer to the Green Library Directory or BBC Campus Library Directory.
The first group of letters and numbers is the way LC organizes a book by subject. This is important to know when you go to the shelves. If you browse the area around a book for which you already have a call number, you may find other books related to your research interest.
Superintendent of Documents Classification (SUDOCS)
This system is used in the Government Documents area of the library for documents published by the United States Government Printing Office. Like LC, materials with SUDOCS numbers are shelved in alphanumerical order, but the SUDOCS call number looks something like this: AE2.110:102-175
Audiovisuals Call Numbers
The Audiovisual Libraries use an accession number system to keep track of the sound recordings, videocassettes, computer files, and other AV materials available to you. Examples of these call numbers include: CDM 423 (audio CD), VC 301 (videocassette), R2178 (record)
Some audiovisual materials use the LC call number, such as: music scores and some videos. Art slides use the Santa Cruz Classification, another alpha-numeric system. To obtain audiovisual materials, take the call number to the service desk in the Audiovisuals area and a staff member will retrieve the item for you.
Generally, the policy of the library is to not purchase textbooks. However, we still do occassionally have copies of textbooks in the collection (although they are often older editions). To check if the library owns a copy of your textbook, search for is as you would any other book via the library catalog.