Introduction to Research in the University Library for International Students (Fall 2024): Introduction

Some Characteristics of Cornell's Library (and Many Academic Libraries in the U.S.):

--Libraries label books and print journals with call numbers on their spines. At Cornell we use Library of Congress Classification for our call numbers, a combination of letters and numbers (e.g., PQ 1756 .I15 1990).

--Libraries have online catalogs of their holdings. These catalogs are openly available on the internet for searching.

--Academic libraries usually have open stacks. (The stacks are the part of the library which houses the physical collection). You will need the call number (found in the library catalog) to locate a specific book that you want in the library stacks. Take books to the library's circulation desk to borrow them. You will need your Cornell ID card to borrow books.
The circulation desk is a service desk where books and other materials are loaned or charged out to library users. Library materials which do not circulate (reference books and some periodicals, for example) can still be used within the library.

--Academic libraries are located in not one building but several buildings around the campus. Cornell has 18 separate library units on the Ithaca campus. All of these units and their collections together are called the Cornell University Library.

Library buildings are often open for long hours. the Lobby of Mann Library and the Tower Room and Cocktail Lounge (study area) in Uris Library are open 24 hours a day. A Cornell ID is required to enter these 24-hour study areas after regular library hours.