Find Books and Other Sources in RaptorSearch: Find and Borrow Materials in RaptorSearch

Each physical item owned by the library is given a call number and location in RaptorSearch. Items are arranged on the library shelves by those call numbers. These strings of letters and numbers are like addresses which help you locate materials in the library.

The call number assigned to an item indicates its subject matter, author and title. MC Library resources are arranged by Library of Congress call number system. Our bookshelves are arranged and labeled in alphabetical order.

Look for the row of bookshelves labeled with the same letters as the first letter or letters of the call number you find in RaptorSearch. For example, the shelf labeled B-BD would contain the call number BC15 .S54 2013.

On the spine of the actual book, the call number will be written vertically:

BC
​15
.S54
2013

There is an example of a book's record from RaptorSearch below. Note the location (Rockville), the item's collection (circulating which means it can be checked out and taken from the library) and call number information: RV Circulating Collection BF575.H27 N45 2022

Most physical items owned by the MC Library can be checked out by students, employees, and community users. Items held at a different campus than the one you want to use (e.g. a book is shelved at the Rockville campus but you want to check out the book at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring campus library) can be requested through the Intercampus Loan request link in the detailed record of the item. Items that the MC Library does not own may be able to be requested through the Interlibrary Loan request link (some requests may not be able to be fulfilled, especially if the item is rare or uncommon).

Request Items from Another Campus (Intercampus Loan)
If a specific book, DVD, or other item is available at a different campus library (e.g., you take classes at Germantown and a book you need is at Rockville), you can request to have the book sent to your campus. From the item’s record page, sign in when prompted with your MyMC username and password, then click on Request and follow the prompts to request the item. Items usually arrive at a campus within four business days. You will receive email confirmation.

Check Your Account and Renew Materials
You can check your library account and renew most materials online. Go to the Sign In link at the top of the RaptorSearch page or the "Library Account" link at the top of the library's home page. Log in with your MyMC username and password if prompted.

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You can find information on library hours of operation, addresses, telephone numbers, and virtual tours here: