You need three informations to locate documents in the stacks : its section, its call number and its availability (in stack, in storeroom or on loan).

Section of a document

The documents are classified by a unique call number that details their specific location in the Library's various sections (references, master, research, periodicals).

The most part of the sections are identified on the library maps.

Call number of a document

Collection of books

The call number is based on one of two classification indexes: own library classification (section research) or the Dewey Decimal classification (MASTER section). To this are added the cutter number (unique), year of publication, and details like volume no., copy no., and so on.

Exemple d'une cote de la section master : 523.112 5/L36.MIL.2002

• « 523.112 5 » = subject.
• « L36 » = alphanumeric code for representing a work's author.
• « MIL » = alphabetic code for representing the 3 first letters of the title.
• « 2002 » = year of publication.

Collections of periodicals

The periodicals located in the reading room do not have call numbers. Current year issues are available on display unit, the previous years are stored in archives rooms. Please note that this applies only to specialized journals. General-interest journals that are more than three years old are moved to the “help yourself” shelves.
 
The periodicals located in in archives rooms are available on request.

Status of a document

You must check directly to see that the item is or not available on the shelf.

If you can’t find it, it means it’s either checked out or being used by another patron in the library. You can check its availability online on the Primo BSU website or by asking a librarian during opening hours. You can also reserve items online using your username and password, by speaking with a librarian, or by sending an email to bibliotheque@iap.fr.