S-Collection FAQs
Locating Materials in the S-Collection
- How can I find age-appropriate materials on a particular subject?
- Can I use the online catalog to search for children's literature?
- How can I locate lesson plans or other curriculum material?
- Which call numbers are part of the S-Collection and what do they mean?
- What should I do if I can't find a book on the shelf?
- How can I find out if a book is in storage?
Locating Materials
How can I find age-appropriate materials on a particular subject?
For help in locating material for children on a specific subject, visit our page of Find Children's Books page. In addition, the following print resources are especially good places to start:
Barr, Catherine and John T. Gillespie. Best Books for Children: Preschool through Grade Six. 8th ed. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2006. (S.011.62 B271b2006)
Lima, Carolyn W. and John A. Lima. A to Zoo: Subject Access to Children's Picture Books. 7th ed. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited, 2006. (Q. S.011.62 L628a2006)
Can I use the online catalog to search for Children's literature?
You can search for children's literature in the online 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 online 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 online 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 online 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 106.
- 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 storage?
If you cannot locate S-Collection materials on the shelves, consult the Online Library Catalog. If the record indicates "SSHEL Storage," fill out a red request card (available at the Information Services Desk, Circulation desk, or S-Collection Room (Room 112, Main Library)) and give it to the staff member at the SSHEL Information Services Desk. Materials are retrieved from SSHEL Storage every hour on the half hour (9:30, 10:30, etc.) and will be held at the Information Services Desk for up to 48 hours after retrieval. Or you can request the material using your library catalog account.
If the online catalog indicates books are in the "SSHEL - Oak St Facility (request only)," you need to request them online by choosing the 'request' option at the top of the online 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.
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.
