Finding Books in the Library Online Catalog

1. Select the proper search screen.

If you already know the book you need, click on Title or Author and enter the title or the author's name (last name, first name).

Example of Title Search

 

Example of Author Search

If you do not have a particular book in mind, click on Basic and do a general keyword search for your topic.

Example of general keyword search

2. General Search Tips

For a general keyword search, you do not have to include words like "of, the, or, and," etc. Enter only the main concepts or keywords related to your topic. Try to stick to very specific nouns. (Example: smoking, teenagers)

If you do not get any results, your search might be too narrow or you might be entering too many terms. (Example: cigarette, smoking, health, teenagers, effects) Try to broaden your search by entering only one or two key concepts (smoking and teenagers).

If you get too many results, try to add terms to your search to explore a more specific aspect. (Example: A search for "smoking" produces 407 results. A search for "smoking" and "teenagers" produces 19 results.)

If you find a book that looks like it might be useful, look at the record (or description) of the book within the Title Info tab. Look at the Subject Headings listed.

If any of these match your research topic, try copying and pasting a relevant subject into the subject search of the catalog.

For more search tips, contact a librarian or see Developing a Search Strategy.

3. Locating the Book

Print or write down the following information about the books you find, so you can find them on the shelf: title, location, call number.

The call number is especially important because it tells you where the book is shelved.

Here are some tips on How to Read Call Numbers.

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