Library Information Literacy Modules

This module introduces students to the key aspects about using the USM Libraries. The various tasks covered in this module include:

• An overview of the Call Number System used in the USM Libraries, which will help students navigate the library shelving and understand how information is organized.
• A video overview of the USM Library Website, highlighting the key features and online resources available to students. There is also a Scavenger Hunt of the USM Library Website, meant to be completed after watching the previous video.
• A short tutorial describing the importance of students activating their USM ID Card with the USM Libraries and how to go about that process.
• A quick, mini-activity where students Bookmark the USM Libraries webpage. This may seem small, but the Libraries webpage is their key to accessing all of the available library resources.

Remember, if your students ever have in-the-moment access questions they can reach as through our Ask-a-Librarian chat.

You may have heard of the Dewey Decimal system, the organization system that many local public libraries use. Academic Libraries also use an organization system to keep our book, journal, and video collections in order and here at the USM Libraries we use what is known as the Library of Congress Classification System (LCC), which organizes items by subject - so, for example, books about “Medicine” are separated from those on “World History”. On every item, you will see an assemblage of numbers and letters punctuated by decimal points and periods - these are referred to as ‘call numbers’ and are how we keep everything in order! These call numbers tell us what subject area the item is focused on, help us to locate the item in the library, where it fits on the shelf, and often what year it was published.

Here are some examples:

Image source: Source: "The Library of Congress Classification System (LCC)". Online Library Learning Center, https://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/unit03/libraries03_04.phtml

Anatomy of a Library of Congress Call Number

Book title: Uncensored War: The Media and Vietnam
Author: Daniel C. Hallin
Call Number: DS559.46 .H35 1986

The first two lines describe the subject of the book.
DS559.45 = Vietnamese Conflict

The third line often represents the author's last name.
H = Hallin

The last line represents the date of publication.

Source: "The Library of Congress Classification System (LCC)". Online Library Learning Center, https://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/unit03/libraries03_04.phtml

To learn more about how these call numbers can help you locate resources within the library, visit this webpage and save the resource guide below to find where your majors’ subject area is in LCC!

To access the link in the picture below, click here: https://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco/

One of the most important actions to take when starting your studies at USM is to make sure that your USM ID is activated at the USM Libraries. Having your card activated opens your door to the many resources we have available to you to enhance your scholarship and academic success here at USM. From InterLibrary Loan to checking out books, the access is virtually endless!

Here is how to go about this process: 

1. This may seem self-explanatory but, be sure to actually receive your card from the USM Card Office! Some USM IDs will be delivered to students via mail, but you can contact them if you have any questions about how to receive your USM ID Card.

2. Once you have your USM ID in hand, you have two options for activating your USM ID with the USM Libraries:

a. Call a USM Libraries Circulation Desk: 

Portland: (207) 780-4270

Gorham: (207) 780-5345

Lewiston Auburn (LAC): (207) 753-6540

b. Visit us in person at the LAC, Portland, or Gorham campus library

The highlighted number is where your Library Card Number is located on your USM ID!

This is a quick activity to bookmark the USM Library Website: usm.maine.edu/library

Bookmarking the USM Library Website will ensure that you have quick access to all of the library resources you need in order to help you succeed in your research.