In most libraries, materials are arranged by format, with books in one area, magazines and journals in another, audio/visual in a separate room, etc. When you identify an information source, it is important to note its format. 

Within the different formats are different source types that may be located separately.

Printed Books for checkout are primarily available on the 3rd and 4th floors. Call numbers beginning A-L are on the 3rd floor, while those beginning M-Z are on the 4th floor. Source Types: Reference Books are on the 1st floor and are not available for checkout. Government publications in print are located on the 1st floor at the east end. Large format Maps and Atlases are located in the 1st floor reference area. The Hofheimer Art Library and Diehn Composers Room also have circulating books and reference books separated.
Printed Journals and Magazines are available on the 2nd floor and are shelved by call number. Newspapers are kept usually for 3 months on shelves in the Microforms area on the 2nd floor.
Microforms: Microfilm, microfiche, microcard, and ultracard are types of microforms. Because they require special reader/printers, microforms are located in large cabinets on the 2nd floor, in call number order.
Audio/Video: In the Perry Library, cds, dvds, and vhs tapes are shelved separately and are available at the Circulation desk. The Diehn Composers Room houses many types of audio/video materials that are shelved according to format. The Hofheimer Art Library houses videos that are kept at the front desk.
Archives Archival materials and special collections (e.g., manuscripts, rare books, historical photos) are usually housed in a separate location for many reasons: to preserve older and valuable materials, to limit access to private materials. The Special Collections and University Archives department of the ODU Libraries is located on the 3rd floor.