The library catalog can be used to find books, eBooks, DVDs, CDs, etc. The catalog can be searched by keyword, title, author, or subject.
Unless a specific search type is selected, the catalog will default to a keyword search, also known as an "any field" search. This searches the entire catalog record for your search term. Examples of keywords include:
If you want to see if the library has access to a specific research, conduct a title search.
If you want to find works by a specific author or editor, use the author search. Author searches should be formatted as Last Name, First Name:
Most catalog records include Library of Congress assigned subject headings. These terms are predetermined by the Library of Congres and are more specific than keywords. Additionally, a subject search only searches on field in the catalog record - the subject field. These terms are difficult to predict. The best way to search with subject headings is to conduct a keyword search and take note of the subject headings in the most relevant search results. Then use the subject headings for a subject search.
Examples of subject headings:
Gandhi, Mahatma 1869-1948.
Nonviolence.
Statesmen--India--Biography.
Mogul Empire -- Kings and rulers -- Biography.
To view chat hours, submit an e-mail question, or view other contact options, please visit the Ask the InfoHub webpage.