Fiction is shelved with other literature, primarily in the PS and PZ sections.  To locate a work by a particular author, use the catalog to retrieve the call number of the book desired.  For more information on searching for books by using call numbers, see Page 8.

Reference materials include dictionaries, encyclopedias, almanacs, atlases, directories, handbooks, and a number of other publications that may be used to find answers to a wide variety of questions, from word definitions, statistics, or dates of historical events to general background information about a subject.  Items in the Reference collection may be found in several locations in the library, but most of the materials are located in a special section just ahead of the circulating collection.  Reference materials are available on a large number of topics such as: philosophy, religion, history, science, sociology, medicine, biography, literature, mythology, government, and technology.  Some Reference titles consist of a single book; others have multiple volumes.  Although Reference materials are non-circulating, they are a very important part of the library collection.  Articles in Reference books may be photocopied as desired.

The library subscribes to approximately 200 current periodicals (magazines, journals and newspapers).  Current subscription magazines and journals are arranged alphabetically by title on the shelving around the walls of the Periodicals Reading Room.  The current issue of each title is placed on the slanted outside shelf, which lifts up to provide access to back issues, most of which are kept for up to two years.  Issues from the earlier year are removed at the end of the year, although back issues of titles judged to be of special research value are retained for longer periods.

The library also subscribes to a selection of local, regional, and national newspapers, the most current of which are located on a rotating stand just outside the Old Tryon Room.  Back issues are stored for about two weeks on shelves nearby.  Periodicals and newspapers are not circulated; however, articles may be reproduced on the photocopier in the lobby.

The Isothermal Community College Library Periodicals Holdings list contains information regarding the periodicals and newspapers to which the library currently subscribes, as well as the library's archival newspapers on microfilm.  A paper copy of the current Isothermal Community College Library Periodicals Holdings list, in a dark blue binder, is located on the index shelf to the left of the entrance area of the Periodicals Reading Room.  The same list is accessible on the library webpage at http://www.isothermal.edu/library/phl.html.

Microfilm
The library's microfilm collection and a reader/printer, which allows viewing and printing of microfilm, are located in the Old Tryon Room.  The microfilm collection includes older issues of the New York Times newspaper, local newspapers and other historical records. 

Upon entering the Old Tryon Room, the reader/printer is situated on the left beyond the microfilm cabinets.  A small diagram on the machine shows how to load the microfilm.  If you need assistance using this equipment, come to the Circulation desk; the staff will be happy to help.  Photocopies of microfilm cost $.10 per page.  Change is available at the circulation desk if you need it.

Print Indexes
The Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature, a set of green hardbound and paperback volumes on the index shelves in the Periodicals Reading Room, is an index to articles in general-interest periodicals.  Back issues of other print indexes on specific subject areas are shelved nearby.  Most indexes contain a sample entry and an explanation of how the index is used at the beginning of each volume. 

Other Access to Periodicals
Articles from many periodicals are indexed and/or available in full text via NC LIVE.  (For more information, see Library Website and Links to Electronic Resources and Accessing Electronic Resources, Page 6.)