Skip to main content

How To Find a Book: Start Here

Description

This Guide explains how to find a book in the CCBC Libraries.

Whether in print or electronic format, the CCBC Libraries have thousands of books to help you with your studying and research needs. 

You can request books from other libraries if CCBC does not have what you need.

Books are fantastic because: They often offer introductions and broad overviews. They are broken up into chapters so you don't have to read the whole book (unless you want to). They can offer thorough discussions and analysis of a single topic.

Click on a tab above to begin.

Library Catalog

                  
Our collection of books is available through the Library Catalog. You will find books available on all 3 CCBC campuses and eBooks available everywhere.
  • Search a keyword topic, for example "Homeless" or "Holistic Health".
  • Search the title of a book, for example "Encyclopedia of Careers".
  • Search an author's name, for example "Lee, Harper".

The Libraries use the Library of Congress Classification system to shelve books. You will need to have the call number to locate books; our call numbers use both letters and numbers together.

If you found a book in your search, you will see a screen like one of the two below:

screen cap ccbc library video games and learning book

or

Both Smart Search and the Books & Media search include our collection of ebooks and print books. The books above are paper books, located at the Catonsville or Essex campus. 

  • Check Shelves means it is available and physically present.
  • Circ Stacks means it can be checked out. 
  • Write down or text yourself (from the library website, after clicking the title) the Call No.and the first few words of the title.
  • Most books on all campuses are located on a single floor, in alphabetical & numberical order.