Books! Using the Library Catalog

Circulating books are located upstairs in all three libraries. These are the ONLY books in the library that you may check out and take out of the library. Each book can be checked out for 3 weeks and renewed for another 3 weeks if there is no request. You must have your SanJac student id.

The books n this section are for LIBRARY USE ONLY. This means the books can only be used in the library. The call number is preceded by the word "Ref."

The books in all three San Jacinto College Libraries are shelved in order using the Library of Congress Classification System. Every book has a call number. The call number is a combination of letters and numbers. Books on the same topic have similar call numbers and are grouped together. The call number will usually be found on the spine of the book, but may also be found on the lower left-hand corner of the front cover.

Tips:

• Read the call number line by line, starting at the top. 
• Books are shelved according to the letters (GV in the example above), then the numbers that follow.
• If the line has a letter-number combination (L64 in the example above), read the letter first then the number.

The shelf below illustrates how books are arranged on the shelf.

Click here for additional tips and information on call numbers provided by the University System of Georgia.

Note: Finding books using the LC system can be a bit tricky. If you have trouble finding a book, don't hesitate to ask a librarian.