A shelfmark is a set of numbers followed by three letters found on the side (spine) of a library book. These numbers represent the topic that the book covers, and are used to help sort the books into order on the library shelves. We have a quick video to show you how to find a book in NELSON and then on the shelves, with more written detail below:
We use a shelfmark system called Dewey Decimal Classification, this is used in many libraries in the UK and around the world. This means when you are looking for a book you can find the shelfmark number, then go through the books in order until you get to the right book. Also, because the books are sorted by their shelfmark number (which represents the topic the book covers), it means that books on the shelves around the same number will cover very similar topics!
This is really handy if you're looking for a book or browsing the shelves, but it does look confusing to start with. Books start on the second floor of the Learning Hub at shelfmark 001, and continue up through the third floor and onto the fourth floor, where they end at shelfmark 999.99.
- Books on the second floor run from 001 to 612.99
- Books on the third floor run from 613 to 769.99
- Books on the fourth floor run from 770 to 999.99.
So you can search and find this number that is unique to each book on NELSON:
And then you find that number on the shelves, using the signs on the end of each bay of shelves as a guide:
I need some help finding books
Don't worry, everyone takes a bit of time to get used to this system. We are very happy to help you find what you need, in person or online, and we have several ways you can get in touch with us:
- email at libraryhelp@northampton.ac.uk
- our Chat service by clicking on the blue speech bubble at the bottom right of every page
- speaking with a member of library staff at the enquiry desk, located on the second floor of the Learning Hub during staffed hours
- ask us a question using our 'Submit a Question' form
- call us on 01604 89 3089