Finding books on your subject
Main Library
The Library uses the BLISS classification scheme which assigns a lettered code to books on each subject. The main bookstock carrying these class-marks is arranged in alphabetical sequence starting at the entrance, going round the Library in a loop and finishing at the right-hand side of the Library.
| 7N | Computer science | N | British history |
| 8 | Bibliography | NW | Local collection |
| A | Philosophy | O | Non-European history |
| AL | Logic | P | Theology |
| AM | Mathematics | Q | Criminology |
| AY | Statistics | R | Politics |
| AZ | HPS | S | Law |
| B | Physics & Engineering | T | Economics |
| C | Chemistry | U | Technology |
| D | Astronomy | V | Fine arts |
| DH | Earth Sciences | VV-VW | Music (Rowe) |
| E | Biology | W | Linguistics |
| F | Botany | WH | Literature |
| G | Zoology | XB | Russian |
| H | Medicine | XM | Italian |
| I | Psychology | XP | Spanish |
| J | Education | XS | French |
| K | Sociology & Soc. Anthropology | XW | German |
| KZ | Travel | Y | English |
| LA | Archaeology | Z | Classics |
| L/M | General & European History | Ref. | Reference (not borrowable) |
Rowe Library – Scores
| Rw.11-13 | Violin and keyboard |
| Rw.15 (cont.) | Instrumental solos and duets: strings; strings and piano; flute |
| Rw.16 | Instrumental solos and duets: wind/brass and piano |
| Rw.19 & 24 | Trios (mostly with keyboard) |
| Rw.30-1 | Quartets, quintets and higher |
| Rw.32 | Organ |
| Rw.33-4 | Piano duets |
| Rw.38 | Books of exercises and music lesson books |
| Rw.49-50 | Oratorio vocal scores |
| Rw.51-4 | Piano solo: arranged by composer |
| Rw.58-61 | Piano solo: selections and collections: arranged by period |
| Rw.73-4 | Miniature scores, arranged by composer |
| Rw.75 | Orchestral works, arranged by composer |
| Rw.81-3 | Opera scores (full scores and vocal scores) |
| Rw.84 | Secular vocal scores (collections) |
| Rw.89 | Denkmäler deutscher Tonkunst |
| Rw.101-3 | Piano solo; also vocal music with piano accompaniment |
| Rw.104 | Orchestral parts |
| Rw.105 | Orchestral full scores (outsize) |
| Rw.107 | Operatic full scores (outsize) |
| Rw.108 | Oratorio full scores (outsize) |
| Rw.109-110 | Songs: mostly English language (including single composers) |
| Rw.111-2 | Songs: musicals and miscellaneous |
| Rw.113 | Secular choral music: mainly madrigals |
| Rw.114-6 | Sacred choral music |
| Rw.117-120 | Songs: German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian |
| Rw.122 | Facsimiles |
The following numbers are dedicated to collected editions: Rw.4-10, Rw.14-15, Rw.17-18, Rw.20-23, Rw.25-9, Rw.46, Rw.88, Rw.90-7. For specific composers, please see the catalogues.
Rowe Books
| VV | Music (general) |
| VV 6 | Study of music |
| VV 7 | History of music (general) |
| VV 8 | Histories and overviews of music (by country) |
| VV 9 | Individual composers: biography and criticism |
| VWA | Theory |
| VWB | Composing and producing; techniques |
| VWC | Musical character |
| VWD | Elements of music |
| VWE | Forms of music |
| VWF-W | Music for particular instruments; and for voice |
| VWX | Folk music in the European tradition |
| VWY-Z | Non-European music |
For further guidance on locating the appropriate shelves for a subject, look at the library plans above or ask the staff to help you. There is a special area for books of local interest in our local collection located on the second floor corridor. Exam papers are kept in the Balfour Room. All music books and printed music are located on the second floor in the Rowe Music Library. Most travel books are kept in the Graduate Room, and can be fetched if required.
Please note that books published before 1830 will not be found amongst the main sequence of books, and they are not available for borrowing in the normal way.
