American History: Find Books

• Our library uses the Dewey Decimal System to arrange books on the shelves 
• Each book is assigned a decimal number that represents its subject 
• There can be many books with the same decimal number

• A second part of the call number is used to arrange books that have the same decimal number
• Typically that line represents the author's name
• Books shelved in special areas of the library have a tag that represents the area at the top of the call number 

In the example pictured, after locating the Reference shelves of the library, read the decimal number first, then the next line.  This call number represents a dictionary of English rhymes by an author named  Upton.

This short video will show you how to use Library Search to discover books and articles in print and full text online at Chemeketa and many other libraries.

Summit is the system used to request books and other items from 37 other college and university libraries in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. You must be logged into the library search to see Summit links.

• Any item in the library search results that says Check holdings  is a potential Summit request
• Click the Check Holdings link or the title of the item
• The Place Summit Request link will display if  you are signed in there is at least one copy on the shelf in a Summit library.
• Click the link to start a request.
•  You will have to choose a pickup location (Salem or Yamhill campus).
•  If the item has multiple volumes, specify which one you want.

Please note that an item that is on the shelf is not always requestable. Check your My Chemeketa e-mail for news about your request.

Chemeketa's library search has many electronic books.  For information about accessing and using e-books, please see About E-Books.