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, or search terms (keywords).
After you identify a book you’d like to use, click on the title to pull up details.
In the 'Get It' or 'View It' section of the record you will find information that will help you access the book:
Location
Look under the "Location Items" section of the book record to see where the book is held (either UW Milwaukee Libraries or UW Milwaukee Waukesha Library). Most books that can be checked out will have the location "UW Milwaukee MKE Main Collection."
Use the first letter of the call number to determine where to go in the building with the library location guide. 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.
- Find the correct letter combination. L comes before LA on the shelves.
- 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).
- In the last line, first locate the letter and then the decimal. .M371 will come before .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.
Links & Files
- Books at UWM Guide
- How do I check out books?
- What does it mean if a reading is on reserve? How do I access reserve materials?
- How do get books as a distance or online student?
- How can I tell if an ebook restricts the number of users?
- If I get a “turnaway” for an ebook that has a limited number of copies, will I be placed on a waitlist for the title?
- What is Search@UW?
- callnumbers_textonly.txt