How to find a book in bobst

by Anna Whitescarver 

Wondering how to find a book in our illustrious library, the Elmer Fudd Bobst Library of Dreams? Look no further! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Go to the NYU Library Catalogue Database Website
  2. Type in the title or author you’re looking for. This will bring you to a new tab:) 
  3. Careful not to click on the first result! This is probably a review of the book you actually want to read. 
  4. Scroll around until you find the book you want – it should say “BOOK” above it. Helpful!
  5. What’s fun about this part is sometimes the library is a bit of a tease. In the same way Netflix will autofill the name of a movie they don’t even have, the website will sometimes give you everything except the actual book. At this point just give up and turn to Google. I wouldn’t even bother with Google Scholar. Lame. 
  6. If they do have the book, you now have the fun task of trying to find it in the hallowed halls. The website will give you a short and easy code, something like CB19 .G69 2021.
  7. The letters at the beginning refer to the floor it’s on. Don’t worry, they’re not in alphabetical order for your convenience. Seemingly, they are in order based on absolutely nothing actually. Just wander around until you find a sign with the letter you’re looking for on it. 
  8. The numbers after that are a little silly fun thing as well. They sort of go in order, but also sort of not. They also sort of go in alphabetical order of the author’s last name, but also sort of not. 
  9. Once you find the right section, get ready to get down on your knees, baby. Or up on a stool. This book will not be easy to find. Start searching. Be prepared for the book to have no cover – just some sort of strange ancient looking hardback case of a jewel-toned color. 
  10. The most fun part of all, is that usually the book won’t be where it’s supposed to be. At this point, I usually give up and leave the library. I suggest you do the same.