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S-Collection FAQs

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Locating Materials in the S-Collection

Directional FAQ

Locating Materials

How can I find age-appropriate materials on a particular subject?

For help in locating age appropriate material for children on a specific subject, visit our Use Databases to Find Books by Topic and/or Age page. The Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database is a useful resource for age and grade level information. In addition, the following print resources may be helpful:

Barr, Catherine and Jamie Campbell Naidoo. Best Books for Children: Preschool through Grade Six. 10th ed. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2015. (S.011.62 B271b2015)

Thomas, Rebecca L. A to Zoo: Subject Access to Children’s Picture Books. 10th ed. Santa Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited, 2018. (Q. S.011.62 L628a2018)

Can I use the library catalog to search for Children’s literature?

You can search for children’s literature in the library catalog by author, title, subject, or keyword. To search for children’s literature by subject, simply add the words, “Juvenile literature”, “juvenile poetry”, or “juvenile fiction” to any subject search. For example:

  • Dogs juvenile fiction
  • Automobiles juvenile literature
  • Friendship juvenile poetry

How can I locate lesson plans or other curriculum material?

Information about lesson plans and curriculum materials is found on the Curriculum Collection website. A Guide to Finding Lesson Plans is also available, along with a Guide to Finding Basal Readers. One way to find lesson plans is to utilize web indexes. Use your favorite search engine to do a keyword search using the terms “lesson plans” along with the subject you’re interested in or use a web page that archives lesson plans and units.

Curriculum materials and lesson plans can also be located through the library catalog by searching by for the appropriate subject. For example:

  • Africa study and teaching United States
  • Curriculum materials science grade
  • English language study and teaching foreign speakers
  • High interest-low vocabulary books curriculum materials
  • World history study and teaching (secondary) curriculum materials

If you choose to search for curriculum materials in the library catalog by keyword, use some of the following words in conjunction with words appropriate to your subject:

  • Curriculum Materials
  • Lesson plans

For more guidance in finding lesson plans, please see the Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library’s Guide to Finding Lesson Plans.

Which call numbers are part of the S-Collection and what do they mean?

All materials associated with the S-Collection will have an S or a Q.S. at the in the beginning of the call number. The “Q” indicates that a book is taller than 29cm. These books are intershelved with regular sized books in the S-Collection.

  • Call numbers beginning with S or Q.S followed by a number are nonfiction.
  • Call numbers beginning with S or Q.S followed by a letter are fiction.
  • Call numbers beginning with SE or Q.SE are picture books.
  • Call numbers beginning with SB or Q.SB are biographies.

What should I do if I can’t find a book on the shelf?

If you can’t find a book on the shelf, the library staff may be able to help you find it. Here are some other useful hints.

  • Double check the library catalog to make sure the call number has been recorded accurately and that the item is actually available.
  • Double check the location. Is the item in SSHEL?
  • Call numbers that begin with S. or Q.S. are located in the S-Collection, Room 123.
  • Check the shelves around the place where the item ought to be to see if it has been misshelved.
  • Scan the copiers, book carts, and tables to see if the item has been used by another patron.
  • Ask for assistance at the Information Services Desk.

How can I find out if a book is in the Oak Street Library?

If the library catalog indicates books are in the “SSHEL – Oak St Library (request only),” you need to request them online by choosing the ‘request’ option under “Get It” on the library catalog screen. These books are usually available in 2-4 days. You will receive an email notifying you when your books are ready for pickup. Books are delivered to SSHEL for a condition check and must be picked up there.

Directional Questions

What is SSHEL?

SSHEL is the Social Sciences, Health, and Education Library. It was established in August 2012 when the Education and Social Science Library and the Applied Health Sciences Library merged.