Finding Maps

Atlases are typically large in size so they are usually shelved in special areas. Here are some locations of atlases in our library:

• Reference Room Atlas Case: This is our main collection of current atlases, which are located outside of room 419 if you are walking from the main reference room toward the Williston level four stacks.
• Reference Room in the G call number range have smaller atlases that fit on regular shelving.
• LC X-Folio shelving: are older atlases that are no longer needed in the Reference collection. Browse the G call number range, which is located on Level 2 1/2.
• Cutter X-Folio shelving: even older atlases that pre-date our 1966 switch from Cutter to the LC Classification. Browse the GZ call number range, which is located on Level 2 1/2.
• Special Collections: some rare atlases. Ask the Research Services librarians if you need additional assistance.

What is a call number? 

Call numbers are the group of numbers usually located on the spine of a book that serve as the "address" of the book. Each book in our library has a distinctive call number. Mount Holyoke uses the Library of Congress Classification system, which is different from the Dewey Decimal Classification that is used in public and K-12 libraries. 

Example of call number order:

N66 .B634 1999
NA 9 .A34 2005
NA 20 .G4 2001
NA 100.G411.2001
NA 100 .G47 2008

How to read call number: N66 .B634 1999

• N - describes the subject area: read in alphabetical order
• 66 -  describes the topic: read as a whole number
• B634- describes the author's last name: read in alphabetical order, then the number as a decimal
• 1999  - date of publication: read in chronological order