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InfoSkills for Economics and Management

InfoSkills @ TiU

Call numbers ǀ Book arrangement ǀ Book holds

Call numbers

Every print book in the library is given a call number (NL: vindplaats), which appears on the spine. This call number serves as the book’s “address” on the shelves and is made up of letters and numbers, for example:

SOC B80 49849

Breaking down the components of a call number

  • The three-letter collection code identifies which collection the book belongs to:
    • SOC = Social Sciences
    • ECO = Economics
    • CIF = Philosophy
    • LET = Language & Literature
    • LA = Liberal Arts
    • JUR = Law
    • TFL = Theology & Religious Studies
  • The subject code specifies the subject category, for example:
    • B80 = Economic psychology
    • R82 = Criminal law 
    • I18 = Political economy 
  • The book number identifies an individual title within the subject category, for example:
    • 49849

Student Library (SB) – Required reading

The TiU Library has a separate collection called the Student Library [NL: Studentenboekerij or SB], which contains the required reading materials for TiU courses.

SB call numbers

  • For SB books, the call number begins with the collection code, then “SB,” the first four letters of the author’s or editor's last name, and ends with the publication year (e.g., ECO SB SMIT 2025).
  • SB books are for in-library use only and cannot be checked out. However, many SB titles have duplicates available for borrowing in the regular collection.
  • Some SB books are available only online. 

Book arrangement

Print books are located on levels 0 and 1 of the library.

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

Shelf location: Finding your book

To find a book that is available for loan in WorldCat Discovery ➊ – such as one with call number SOC B60 51017 ➋ – go to Level 0 of the library. The books are stored in mobile shelving units.

  • Find the shelves labeled SOC.
  • Locate 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 are located in the low grey shelves beyond the stairs. Locate the collection code you need (e.g., JUR). Within each section, books are arranged alphabetically by the first four letters of the author’s last name. The call number ends with the publication year. ➊. Remember that SB books are for in-library use only and cannot be borrowed ➋.

If the book you want isn’t on the shelf, one of two possibilities 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 or 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.

Either way, you can request to hold the book:

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

  • Click on Place hold.

    The book will be reserved for you when it’s returned. You’ll get an email when it’s ready for pick-up at the library desk.

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