Finding non-fiction books
Finding books in the non-fiction subject areas is easy in Westminster Lending Libraries (NB: Reference Libraries are not organised in the same way).
You don't have to search through lots of numbers or indexes. All you need to do is check the category list and browse the books in that category. Of course, if there is a specific book you are looking for, then you can locate it by using the e-library catalogue.
Here are the category codes and their abbreviations (which are on the spine of every book):
| Cateogory code | Subjects covered |
|---|---|
|
ART |
Art and Architecture: Artists, Drawings, Sculpture, Architecture, History of Art |
| BEL |
Belief and Thought: Philosophy, Religions, Sacred Works, Metaphysics |
| BIOG |
Biography: Autobiography, Biographies, Collected Letters |
|
BODY |
Body and Mind: Medicine, Health Service, Psychology, Relationships, Health, Keep Fit, Self Improvement |
| BUS |
Business and Management: Businesses, Economics, Job Hunting, Accounts, Management, Marketing, Office Skills, Shares |
|
COM |
Computing: Computer Programmes, Hardware, PCs, Software, Word Processing |
| CRA |
Crafts and Collecting: Antiques, Drawing, Flower Arranging, Hobbies, Knitting, Needlework, Painting, Soft Furnishings, Stamp Collecting, Upholstery |
|
CRI |
Crime: Murder, Piracy, True Crime DIY Building, Decorating, Home |
| DIY |
Do It Yourself and the Home: Electrics, Interior Design, Plumbing, Woodwork |
| EDU |
Education and Careers: Schools, School Governors, Study Skills, Teaching, Careers, Grants, Higher Education |
| ENV | Environmental Issues: Animal Rights, Conservation, Energy, Green Issues, Pollution |
| EUR |
European Union: its structure, history, laws and policies |
| FAS |
Fashion and Beauty: Fashion, Hairdressing, Beauty, Cosmetics, Costume |
|
FOOD |
Food and Drink: Cooking, Recipes, Wine, Beer |
| GAR |
Gardening: Garden Design, Garden Pools, House Plants, Landscape Design |
|
HIS |
History: Archaeology, History, Flags, Genealogy, Prehistoric Man, Surnames, World Wars |
| LANG |
Language: Dictionaries, Language Courses, Linguistics, Phrase Books, Alphabets |
| LAW |
Law: General Law Books and Books for Legal Expert, Legal System, Legal Texts |
| LIT |
Literature: Essays, Humour, Literary Criticism, Poetry, Quotations, Writing |
| LON |
London: History of London |
|
MEDIA |
Media and Performance: Theatre, Dance, Film, Newspapers, Public Speaking, Radio, TV, TV/Film Scripts, Card Tricks, Conjuring |
|
MIL |
Military: Airforce, Army, Military Aircraft, Military Uniforms, Navy, Regiments, Tanks, Weapons |
| MUS | Music: Classical Composers, Classical Music, Instruments, Jazz, Opera, Pop Music |
|
MYTH |
Myths and Traditions: Myths & Legends, Customs, Christmas Traditions, Proverbs, Superstitions |
| NAT |
Nature: Wild Animals, Birds, Insects, Mammals, Plants, Reptiles |
| PARA |
The Paranormal: Astrology, Dreams, Fortune Telling, Ghosts, Prediction, Supernatural, UFOs |
|
PAR |
Parenting: Pregnancy, Child Development, Adoption, Babies' Names, Cooking for Children, Making Toys, Pre- School Education |
|
PER |
Personal Finance: Benefits, Conveyancing, Home Buying, Pensions, Personal Taxation, Tenancy, Wills |
| PET | Pets: Any animal kept as a pet |
| PHO | Photography: Amateur Video, Photography, Photographs |
|
POL |
Politics and Government: Central Government, Elections, International Politics, Local Government, Political Parties |
|
SCI |
Science and Industry: Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Dinosaurs, Electronics, Geology, Mathematics, Mechanics, Physics, Technology, Weather |
| SOC | Society: Sociology, Class, Etiquette, Housing, Lesbian and Gay Issues, Race Relations, Retirement, Social Work, Weddings, Women |
|
SPO |
Sports and Games: Athletics, Card Games, Cricket, Football, Golf, Indoor Games, Self Defence, Water Sports |
|
TRAN |
Transport: Airlines, Bicycles, Canals, Car Maintenance, Driving, Highway Code, Railways, Shipping, Trams |
|
TRA |
Travel and Holidays: Atlases, Geography, Restaurant Guides, Tourism, Town Plans, Travel Guides |
|
Books in Languages other than English |
If you are looking for books written in a language other than English, these are in a separate section with yellow labels, and a three letter code to indicate the language e.g., FRE for French. Find out which library has the most books in your required language. |
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