Use the link to the catalog below to search for books. And notice the instructions below on how to locate the books, either online, or physically in the library.
So you've looked up a book in the library's catalog, but now what? How do you find it?
Here's what you need to know. After searching in the library's catalog, you will see a results page like the one in the image below. Under the title of the book, you'll see more information.
More specifically...
OR
Sample Search for books on a living wage: (click on image to enlarge)
Each shelf in the library has a set of call numbers so you can take the number you wrote down from the catalog and use it to locate the print book. Stop by the reference desk and get help from a librarian; we're happy to help you find books in the library!
To help you select a book from the results list, click on a title to learn more about a book. Look for the following:
Date published: Is it current enough? For example, books on global warming from the 1990s are not current enough!
Description and/or Contents: This section indicates what a book is about, which helps you determine if the book is relevant. Often you can even see the chapters listed out, which can also tell you more about the book's contents. You can also tell if the book is a collection of essays. Essays may be useful for short writing assignments.
Subjects: Are the Subjects of the book on your topic? These subjects are how the catalog organizes and searches for content. Trying clicking on a relevant one to find other possibly useful titles!
Availability: If the book is in print, is it available? If you are taking an online class, is this an e-book? Look at the information on the record to learn more.
Image of Print Book record with shelf location, subjects, description and contents:
Image of eBook record with link to ebook database and subjects:
Walk through the two steps below to learn how to search a database and select appropriate articles.
This search is for Academic Search Complete, but you will use many of the same techniques for other databases.
Sample Search: Amazon AND union*
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After you click on "Search", view your results. This example shows #1 and #2 of over 2,000 results found with this search combination.
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In the image above, you can see a scholarly article from an academic journal and a magazine or newspaper article from a periodical. I start with magazine and newspaper articles for more accessible information.
Use One Search to find Books in Holman Library and for an overview of library resources on a subject.
Note: Go to individual databases for magazines, more subject terms, up-to-date streaming video content, and more.
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When you see results, you may need to limit further. As shown in the image below...
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Use Google Advanced Search for power searching on the general web
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This video shows you how to use your keywords in library databases to find book, articles, videos, and more.