Journal articles are often in-depth discussions of a very specific topic, and sometimes you want a more comprehensive perspective, or a reference work covering a topic, or an introductory-level text. This is where good academic books come in handy! UBC Library has an excellent range of books ranging from broad-ranging introductions to expert treatises. UBC's collection contains both print books, which can be accessed in library locations or requested from storage, and eBooks, which can be accessed online.
When you're looking for a book specifically, there are a few ways to do this!
Many of UBC Library's books and other resources are electronic and can be accessed easily by clicking a link.
Print books are kept on the library shelves, called stacks. There are many benefits to visiting the stacks: browsing the shelves can give you ideas and inspiration for your research, the library offers a quiet and comfortable studying space, and librarians are always present to help if you get stuck.
The incredible number of print materials at UBC Library may seem overwhelming and difficult to navigate. However, as the infographic below explains, it is relatively easy to find the location of materials you find in Summon or the catalog by noting a few key pieces of information. The same information is also attached in a Microsoft Word document. And, if you get stuck, a librarian will be happy to lend a hand.
How to Read Call Numbers from UBC Library
For a text version of this information see: Finding Books at UBC Library.
Libraries use classification systems to organize the books on the shelves. A classification system uses letters and/or numbers (call numbers) to arrange the books so that books on the same topic are together. Books at UBC Library are shelved using the Library of Congress Classification System.
Romance Languages are shelved in the subclass PC. Here are the call number ranges:
PC3801-3976 Catalan
PC4001-4977 Spanish
PC5001-5498 Portuguese
Spanish and Portuguese Literature is shelved in the subclass PQ:
PQ6001-8929 Spanish literature
Subsections include:
PQ6001-6168 History and criticism
PQ6058-6060 Early to 1500
PQ(6061)-6073 Modern
PQ6075-6098 Poetry
PQ6098.7-6129 Drama
PQ6131-6153 Prose
PQ7081-8560 Spanish America