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InfoSkills voor Rechtswetenschappen

InfoSkills @ TiU

Call numbers ǀ Book placement ǀ Holds

Call numbers

All print books in the library are assigned a call number (Dutch: vindplaats), found on the book spine. This call number acts as the book’s "address" on the shelves. It consists of letters and numbers, for example:

SOC B80 49849

Understanding the components of a call number

  • The collection code (3 letters) indicates the book's collection:
    • SOC = Social Sciences
    • ECO = Economics
    • CIF = Philosophy
    • LET = Language & Literature
    • LA = Liberal Arts
    • JUR = Law
    • TFL = Theology & Religious Studies
  • The subject code indicates the subject category, for example:
    • B80 = Economic psychology
    • R82 = Criminal law 
    • I18 = Political economy 
  • The book number identifies a specific title within the subject category, for example:
    • 49849

Required reading: Student Library (SB books)

The TiU library holds a separate collection called the Student Library [Studentenboekerij or SB], which contains required reading for TiU courses.

  • Call numbers for SB books start with the collection code, followed by "SB" and the first four letters of the author’s last name, e.g., ECO SB HARR.
  • SB books can only be consulted in the library and cannot be checked out. However, duplicates of many SB books are available in the regular collection for borrowing.
  • Some SB books are only available online. 

Book placement

Books can be found on level 1 and 0 of the library.

  • Level 1
    • Reference works (dictionaries and encyclopedias)
    • The Student Library (Studentenboekerij or SB)
  • Level 0
    • Books on Economics (ECO), Liberal Arts (LA), Philosophy, Language & Literature (LET), Law (JUR), Social Sciences (SOC), and Theology & Religious Studies (TFL).

Finding a book on the shelf

To locate a book that is available for loan in WorldCat Discovery ➊ – for example, one with the call number SOC D37 50997 ➋ – go to Level 0 of the library .

  • Go to the shelves labeled SOC.
  • Find the section D37.
  • Look for the book number (50997) on the spine. Books are shelved in numerical order.

Finding a Student Library book (SB book)

On level 1, the SB books can be found in the low grey book shelves past the stairs. Find the section you need (e.g., ECO). Within this section, the books are ordered alphabetically by (the first four letters of the) last name of the author ➊. Remember: SB books cannot be borrowed and must be used within the library.➋.

If the book you want is not on the shelf, two situations may apply:

  1. The book is stored in one of the library’s depots [NL: magazijnen].
    Books from the depot have a CBM or CBC call number (e.g., CBM 742 E 38, CBC TFK B 12050). 

  2. The book is currently checked out.
    If a book is checked out, the status information in WorldCat Discovery will show 'Checked Out' with a due date.

In either case, you can place a request to hold the book:

  • Click on the book title to open the detailed record.

  • Use the "Place hold" feature.
  • Follow the instructions.

Please note Placing a hold doesn’t recall the book immediately but reserves it for you once it’s returned. You will get an email when it’s ready for pick-up at the library desk.

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