Prior to our class, I had never stopped to consider that I did not know how to physically go and find a book in the library. I reflect back on the entirety of my education and realize that at no point was this system taught to me as I’ve been educated in a digital age. When asked to look at the call number in Special Collections, I recognized the significance of this number to find a book in the library system, however, without the help of a librarian, I did not think that I could find the book myself. For this reason, I felt it was important for me as a scholar to learn how to use the librarian and understand the experience of trying to find a source through physical means and not the digital I have been accustomed to.
I decided I wanted to try to find Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado as I am currently working on writing a paper about this novel and still need sources to support my thesis. To begin this process, I first went on the library’s website to find where the book could be found, which I now recognize is a privilege in granting me a starting point. The library’s website was very convenient as it gave me a map to follow on the fourth floor.
Once I made it to the fourth floor, I began looking for the section “PS” as the book’s call number listed and subsequently section “3613”. This was not particularly challenging, moreso, it just took time for me to find the correct stack as I am not familiar with the library.
The most tedious part of this process was once I found the correct stack was scanning the shelves for the correct book and call number. To fit on the books’ spines, the call numbers were very small, which took a close eye, but I did ultimately find the book I needed and another book by Machado next to it which was a helpful find.
This process made me have a greater appreciation for easy access to digital libraries, though it gave me greater confidence in my research abilities if I need to access a physical source of information. Due to being more accustomed with the digital library than the physical one, I took note of my discomfort in having to find a source myself without a search engine to assist me, however, it was important to me to know I could achieve this task through a learning mindset and without asking for help. Though it would have been easier to find the book online, this physical experience of taking myself to the library, walking through the aisles, and searching for information forced me to be more engaged with research and critically think about what information I needed to know to find what I needed, like the call number. In today’s age of access to information being such a quick process due to technology, this act of slowing down made me reflect on intentionality with research and form greater academic self-reliance.
Hi! I love that you went on this adventure, and I feel touched that you see the library catalog as something that privileges you with easier access, but we don’t feel that way at all. We’re here for you. I’ll tell you what, though: after you pull a few books off the shelf that you found by looking up their call numbers, it will feel like second nature. Don’t be reluctant to keep it up!
Hey Avery, I can relate to what you wrote about the process of finding a book. Back home, I often go to our local library, so I’m used to searching by call numbers, but it’s definitely not as big or complex as a university library. I also get what you mean about scanning all those tiny labels as it really takes patience. I agree with you that this kind of experience makes you appreciate how convenient digital libraries are, but it also changes how you engage with research. There’s something rewarding about walking through the aisles and finding the book yourself.