Architecture

Books offer more thorough coverage of a topic than articles, draw on a wider range of preexisting scholarship, and often excel in placing an argument in a broader thematic and disciplinary context. Consider consulting scholarly books first in your research. Use them to provide: 

• helpful introduction and overview of a topic;
• comprehensive literature review that outlines the significant scholars and existing points of view on a topic;
• detailed study of a topic, usually broken down into manageable chapters;
• extensive bibliography to guide you toward related works.

Browsing the stacks is a great way to find sources for your projects. Our books are organized using the Library of Congress classification system. The first two letters in the call number indicate the subject. Architecture materials are generally located under the NA heading. You can use the guide below to find more specific subjects within Architecture and related fields. For example, house designs and plans fall in the NA7000s.  **Hint: make sure to browse the Oversize and Folio sections too.

As with most American libraries, Auburn University organizes books and bound volumes of magazines by the Library of Congress Classification System. The medium is an integral part of the organization.  Architecture-related materials are classed primarily in the NA section of the library. Other relevant call numbers range from TH (building and construction), NK (interior architecture and design), E-F (U.S. history, historic preservation), HT (city planning), etc.  

The table below contains locations within the Architecture & Landscape Library at the LADC, but the call numbering and categories are also helpful at RBD (main library) at Auburn University.  There are also exceptions to the locations, so again, ASK if you can not find what you need.

Library of Congress Classification (Book Category) Online

Ideas for LC Classification for NA 15.99 M38 (Library Thing)