Library research will be much easier if you know about the following on the Library's website:

1.  Online catalog (or OPAC)

2.  Discover (a google-like search engine that searches the fulltext of the library's proprietary databases and other online content)

3.  Databases categorized by discipline

4.  How to search for library owned Journals (in print and/or online) by title

5.  Ask-A-Librarian services

6.  The search request form for Items Not on Shelf

7.  Service pages for Circulation, Interlibrary Loan, and Reserves

8. How to authenticate to the library's proprietary online from Off Campus

9.  How to check your Library Account

10.  Subject & Course Guides

Libraries use call number systems to organize materials.  The Dewey Decimal system is used in most public and school libraries.  Like most academic libraries, the Vassar College Libraries uses the Library of Congress Classification System  (LC).  

Certain materials in our library use other classification systems.  Government documents have their own system and our Music library has a specialized system for some materials.  Dvds and vhs are simply assigned numbers.