Using the Catalogue
You should always start your search for books at the catalogue, even if you know the general area where the books you need are shelved in the library. The catalogue can tell you exactly where on the shelves the book you need is, which campus it is in and if it is available.
Browsing the shelves can be a useful way of finding books, but the catalogue will not only also let you know about eBooks, but also the different places books on your topic will be shelved.