In order to retrieve the information you need, it's really important to know how the information is organized. Organization provides access to information or a collection. There are several ways to organize information in order to find it easily - if you've ever used the Yellow Pages, you know one of the ways. Libraries use organization schemes to 'classify' information according to the academic discipline or area of knowledge (class) the information fits into. The Library of Congress has developed a system that is used by most academic libraries including URI. Being familiar with the LC system will help you find material in the URI Libraries.

This guide has been broken down into tabs:

Organization discusses the need for organization and structure in regards to information.

Library of Congress Classification presents the alphanumeric classification system used by the URI Library.

Library of Congress Subject Headings presents the method librarians use to describe items in a catalog.

Important Concepts discusses the issues of classification systems.

Catalogs defines what a catalog is, with a focus on library catalogs.

The URI Libraries Search presents the catalog in use at URI.