Answered By: Heidi Anoszko
Last Updated: Aug 21, 2023     Views: 487

Search for books

To find books and other resources such as videos, maps, and music recordings in the UWM Libraries' collections, use Search@UW. You can search for a specific book by title or author. Use the keyword search if you are looking for books on a specific topic.

After you identify a book you’d like to use, click on the title to pull up details.

Book record in Search@UW

In the 'Get It' or 'View It' section of the record you will find information that will help you access the book:

'Get It' section of a book record displaying the item location, call number, and status.

Location

The campus location where the book is held (either UW Milwaukee Libraries, UW Milwaukee Waukesha Library, or UW Milwaukee Washington Library). The location "Stacks" indicates the general collection. The "Stacks" are areas of shelving located all over the library. Use the first letter of the call number to determine where to go in the building. In location you may also see a number of special areas in the building, such as Music Collection, Reference, Archives, etc. See Building Information and Floorplans or Ask a Librarian for help if you are unsure where to go. ebook locations will appear as an access link for the item. For information on how to find and access ebooks, visit the Books at UWM guide (linked below)

Find a book on the shelf

The call number provides the location or "address" of each book on the shelf.

Follow these steps when you're looking for a book on the shelf.

  1. Find the correct letter combination. L comes before LA on the shelves.
  2. Look for the number - be sure to look for the whole number. 19 comes before 23 and 23 comes before 2340 (two thousand three hundred forty).
  3. In the last line, first locate the letter and then the decimal. .M371 will come before .M38

This image shows the order in which some sample call numbers would appear: L 19. M322, LA 23. M38, LA 2340. M371, LA 2340. M38

Status

The status of the book indicates its availability for loan. The status “Item in place” means the book is on the shelf and available to be checked out.

Checking Out Books

You can check it out at the circulation desk in the lobby of the west wing with a valid student, faculty, or staff ID. If the book is checked out to another user, you may place an online "Recall Request" via Search@UW. For more information about online recall requests, check Circulation policies regarding Recalled Books.

 

Media

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During busy times and after hours, other librarians from our chat consortium will help you. Have a non-library question? See Contact UWM and Campus IT Support.