Find Print & Electronic Books

Library resources, whether in print or electronic format are listed in the Lens catalog. If you are having difficulty using the catalog or you want to confirm the availability or location of a book, please contact the Reference department at 773-702-7715. Print Books Electronic Books What if the book is off the shelf? What if you don't own a book I need? Print books Most books you need will shelve on the second floor by the call numbers QH (Natural History/General Biology) to R (Medicine). A guide to the call numbers by floor is available. However, there are five areas in the John Crerar Library where you can find books in the biomedical sciences. In four areas, books will have a Library of Congress call number. (Sci stacks) QH - R = second floor (Sci stacks) Other Library of Congress numbers, for example laboratory animals (SF) or biotechnology (TP) = third floor Reference (SciRef) = first floor, west of the Reference counter Reserve (SciRes) = first floor, behind the Circulation/ Reserves counter Dewey Collection = lower level Take the stairs at the west end of the building, and turn left. Books are arranged in compact shelving using the Dewey Decimal System. If you need help operating the shelving go to the Circulation/Reserves Desk. Electronic books Electronic books, or e-books, are listed individually in the catalog, just as print books are. Use the 'E-Resource' refinement in Lens to limit your search to electronic materials. What if the book is off the shelf? If you've looked for a book that that is supposed to be on the shelf ("not charged") try these steps: If the book is checked out place a recall to have it returned. Look in the re-shelving areas behind the Circulation/Reserves Desk and on the book carts at the top of the stairwells on the second or third floors, depending on call number. Look in both photocopier rooms on each floor. Check at the Reference Desk to be certain of your information. Stop at the Circulation Desk and fill out a Search Form. (We'll do the looking from this point on.) Searches take between 1-5 working days.

If you have any questions about the resources or services available to the biomedical sciences community please contact Deb Werner, Biomedical Reference Librarian or Christa Modschiedler, Biomedical Bibliographer & Reference Librarian. You may also email the Crerar Reference Staff.