University of Manitoba Libraries

Where Can I Get Help?

Each library in the University of Manitoba Libraries System has a reference desk staffed with reference librarians to help you locate the specific resources you need for your assignments.

For Environmental Design your first stop should be the Architecture/Fine Arts Library, where the Reference Librarian, Liv Valmestad is ready to help you. Liv has a degree in studio art and a graduate degree in art history.

Visit Liv on Facebook

Reference librarians act as guides. They hold graduate degrees in locating and assessing information, and often in other areas as well. Some librarians speak multiple languages. If you need help, you can come to the reference desk in person, or phone, email, or

The University of Manitoba Libraries is structured in a system containing many different libraries on several campuses. Each library houses materials in specific subject areas. See our map for all our locations.

How Do I Find a Book?

To find books, you will use the online Library Catalogue BISON. You can search BISON by keyword, title, subject or author, as well as by other headings. Here are some helpful hints:

• When searching by keyword, always limit to book, as this will eliminate slides (projected medium) in your search results.
• When searching by author always use last name, first name
• When searching by title, do not include articles such as a, an or the

In most cases, you should use keyword searches, unless you know the title or author of the work for which you are searching.

Please view the jing video on searching BISON below:

How to search for a book in BISON

Recap: Steps to Finding Books

1. To find books, go to the Libraries’ Home Page. Click on the Library Catalogue link in the left-hand navigation bar.
   Libraries' Home Page
2. Type in your keywords (search words) and click the Search button.
3. BISON (Library Catalogue) will display the relevant titles listed chronologically from newest to oldest.
4. Click on Full description to see details about the books and their locations. You should note:
   • Which library the book is in.
   • Where in the library the book is found.
   • If the book is signed out or on the shelf.
   • The call number of the book. Call numbers are located at the bottom right hand side of the record, above the shelving location.

How Do I Locate Books in the Library?

Almost all of the books in the Architecture/Fine Arts Library are located in the basement of the library in open stacks (bookshelves). You walk to these stacks to find the books that you need. At the end of each bookshelf is a stacks sign to tell you the range of call numbers that are located on that bookshelf.

Books are arranged in order according to subject by call number.

Other Locations for Books

• Reference: some of our books will be found in the Reference section of the library, located on the first floor past the circulation counter. These cannot be signed out.
• Online: is an electronic subscription.
• Storage: located in another building. You can request a book online and it will be waiting for you at the circulation counter the next day.
Subjects in Environmental Design are found in several call number areas:
• NA = architecture
• HT = city planning
• NK = interior design
• SB = landscape architecture

Click here to see further subheadings in the N=Fine Arts Schedule.

What if I can't find the call number I need?

Double-checking the catalogue

1. Is the item checked out?
2. Are you looking in the right library?
3. Did you write down the entire call number? Check for mistakes.

Getting help
Ask the Reference Desk or the Circulation Desk for help!

How Do I Borrow Books?

Some books and other items can be taken out of the library. Others, such as encyclopedias and dictionaries, cannot be borrowed. These are located in the Reference section of the library and are marked REF. The circulation desk near the entrance is staffed by people who will let you know if the book can be signed out or not.

If you want to borrow a book, you can charge it out at the circulation counter using your student ID Card. Most books can be loaned for two weeks. They can then be renewed online by using

Remember: loan periods can vary from library to library. See below:

If you do not return library books or renew them within the time alloted, you will have to pay a fine. If fines reach $5.00 or more, your library account will be blocked. Please see

After searching for your book in BISON, you may get a holdings record that looks like this:

You can place a request in BISON by clicking on the "Request this title link.

VIDEO: How to request a book in BISON if someone else has signed it out!

Requesting an item already on loan places you in the queue for that item. The borrower is given seven days to return the recalled material. There is no grace period for recalled material.

For help requesting material see the "Renewing and Requesting Items in Bison" handout or contact Libraries staff.

For information see Policy 125 Holds and Recalls

How Do I Find a video, DVD or CD?

To find media, you will use the Library Catalogue BISON. You can search BISON by keyword, title, subject or author, as well as by other headings. In most cases, you should use keyword searches, unless you know the title or author of the item you are searching for.

Please view flash tutorial on "How to find Media" below:

How to search for media (CD/DVD) on BISON

Recap: Steps to Finding Media

1. To find videos, CDs and DVDs, go to the
   Libraries' Home Page
   In the search box type in your keywords (search words) alongwith
   a)dvd, cd or video
   
   OR
   
   b) click on Search Library Catalogue (Bison) type in keywords and then choose Limit by Format and select either CD-ROM or Video/DVD/Film from the drop down menu under and click the Search button.
2. BISON (Library Catalogue) will display the relevant titles listed chronologically from newest to oldest.
3. Click on Full description to see details about the items and their locations. You should note:
   • Which library the item is in.
   • Where in the library the item is found. (For media it is usually held behind the circulation counter.)
   • If the item is signed out or in the library.
   • The call number of the item. (The circulation staff will require the call number in order to retrieve the item for you).