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Study Skills

Using the Library

The library provides a convenient place to work and an atmosphere that encourages study. In addition it provides you with up-to-date books, magazines, periodicals and other sources on your subject.

School and college libraries vary tremendously in terms of the stock they hold. It may be necessary, therefore, to use your local public central library for research or, depending on where you live, the academic library of a local university (you will not be allowed to borrow books, however). By getting to know the library you intend to use the most, you will:

  • Feel more at home there
  • Be able to locate the books you want
  • Be able to settle quickly to your work

Finding the book you want!

  • On your first visit ask how the system works
    • Does it operate a card index system or is it computerised?
    • Do not be too proud to seek help especially if the computer programme used is unfamiliar; a lot of time can be wasted in front of a screen!
  • Books will be divided into sections and then arranged in numerical order on the shelves
  • Cataloguing of books is done in three main ways:

    Library classification system
    The Subject Index tells you where to look in the library but doesn't list books e.g. Economics 330
    The Author Catalogue tells you the book number if you know the author, e.g. Anderton, A.G. 330.2
    The Classified Catalogue tells you what the book is if you know the number e.g. 330.2 Economics Anderton, A.G.

The Dewey Classification System

In most libraries the Dewey classification method is used. This divides knowledge up into 10 main divisions. Each main division is then divided into 10 major headings with these headings further divided into 10 important subjects. This does mean that standardisation of numbering takes place between libraries.

Some useful classifications:

300 Social Sciences

  • 310 Statistics
  • 330 Economics
  • 340 Law
  • 380 Commerce

500 Pure Sciences

  • 510 Mathematics

600 Technology

  • 650 Business and Management

900 Geography and History

As you can see, there isn't a section entitled 'Business Studies' so Economics/Business students will have to search around a little more depending on the topic being studied. For example:

  • 900 Developing Countries
  • 310 Business Statistics
  • 510 Mathematics for Economists

N.B. Reference books are usually in a separate section, get to know the ones in your subject e.g. Social Trends or Annual Abstract of Statistics

Studying in the library : some tips!

  • Have a goal to achieve!
  • Base your target on the time available to you - 30 mins or all afternoon
  • Do not be too ambitious, it is better to complete a shorter task than to leave the library frustrated
  • Try to find a work place that you are happy with, it may be sensible to sit close to your subject section
  • Avoid sitting by friends, arrange to meet them at a specified time later for a break and chat
  • Get into the habit of using the library early on in your course - it will pay dividends later