Locate Detailed Information:
Try the Book Catalog
Books in the library collection may be located by using the library catalog.
It is a shared catalog that includes the books available at Raritan Valley Community College and at the libraries in the Somerset County Library System.
You should look for books when:
- You need detailed or comprehensive information on a topic
- You need historical information on a topic
- You need to examine a topic in relation to other issues
If you need to find books in addition to those available at RVCC, you may explore
Other Library Catalogs including the
Hunterdon County Catalog.
FINDING YOUR BOOK ON THE SHELF
After using the catalog to identify the books you need, you will need to find the books on the shelves using the Library of Congress call number which you found in the catalog.
Use the following guide:
- If the location says RV Reference Collection, the book is located on the main level of the library.
- If the location says RV Circulating Books, the book is located on the upper level of the library.
- If the location says RV Reserves, the book is at the Circulation Desk on the main level and has been placed on Reserve by a faculty member so that all students may have equal access to the book.
The call number indicates the shelf address for each book. Look at the labels on the ends of each book shelf to see which volumes are contained in that row.
If the Library of Congress call number system is unfamiliar to you, visit How to Read Library of Congress Call Numbers.
OBTAINING A BOOK FROM ANOTHER LIBRARY
There may be times when you will need to obtain a book from another library. For example:
- If you located a book through the catalog and the call number indicates that the book belongs to another library in Somerset County with which we share this catalog. No problem!
- If you searched Hunterdon County WebPAC and want to obtain a book from that source it is a simple process. Not a problem!
- If you searched any of the Other Library Catalogs and found a TERRIFIC book located at a distance-- STILL not a problem!
Simply complete the Book Request Form. We will notify you when your book arrives.
Or, visit the member library of the Somerset County Library System Library or the Hunterdon County Library Sytem and borrow the copy directly from them. You should bring your RVCC ID. That ID entitles you to borrowing priviliges at those member libraries-- regardless of where you live. But if you prefer, we will borrow the book for you when you fill out an Interlibrary Loan Form.
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Raritan Valley Community College / Evelyn S. Field Library
