Using the online catalog title

How to Use the Library Catalog

This module covers how to search the Goodwin Library Online Catalog.

When you have completed this module of GILT, you will be able to:

  • recognize that the catalog contains more than just books
  • find items using a variety of search strategies
  • interpret the information found in a catalog record

Tutorials home Library Web Page LOC Call Numbers Library Catalog Library Databases


Overview

Where's the Online Catalog?

You can find the catalog on the Goodwin Library homepage (www.goodwin.edu/Library/). The catalog is the first tab on the Search Engine box. You can enter your search term in the Advanced Search box and click "GO". Your can also go to the Catalog Home Page by clicking on the link "Catalog Home".




Searching the Catalog Home Page: The Basic Search

1. You do not need to log into your account to search for library items. However, by using your account, you can create your own book lists, place holds on books that the librarian will set aside for you, and you can add titles to your cart.

2. Click on the down arrow next to "Library Catalog" to open the drop-down menu.
Then select the type of search: author, title, subject, ISBN, series, or call number.
For a keyword search, leave the selection as "library catalog".

3. What type of search to use?
a. title: search for a specific title
b. author: search for a specific author (last name, first name)
c. subject: search the subject field of the catalog record (this field is assigned to describe what the item is mainly about)
d. keyword: search the entire catalog record for the term (will search descriptions as well as subject and title fields)



Searching the Catalog Home Page: The Advanced Search

1. Use the advanced search feature when you want to pinpoint your search by:
  • using more than one search term

  • searching for a phrase

  • combine two or more concepts

2. Each search term must appear in the catalog record for the items to be included in the Results list.

3. Why use limiters?
You can further specify your search using limiters. See below image for descriptions.



The Results List

After you click on "Search", you will get a Results List based on the terms and limiters you used.

Some items in the Results List have additional information such as an author biography, sample text from the book, a description of the book by the publisher, and a table of contents from the book.




A Catalog Record

This is what a catalog record looks like in the OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog). The record opens in NORMAL VIEW when you click on the title of the item.

When you need to create a citation for this item, you need the author, title, publisher, publisher place, and copyright date. You will notice that publisher place is not in NORMAL VIEW.



Click on CARD/ISBN VIEW to see the publisher place.


Note: MARC VIEW and EXPANDED MARC VIEW are used mostly by library catalogers.

Quiz Questions

Instructions: Click on one radio button for each question. When you are done, click on the button at the end of the quiz: "Check your score". A new window will appear with your score. If you like your score, you may print the page for your instructor. If you don't like your score, click on the Back Button to access this quiz again. Click on the Reset button. Try the quiz again.
Clear Answers
1. Where can you access the Goodwin Library catalog?
a) From a computer in the Goodwin Library
b) From a cellphone with Internet access
c) From a computer with Internet access
d) All of the above answers

2. How many Item types does the Goodwin Library have in its collection?
a) 13
b) 16
c) 3
d) 6

3. What type of search can NOT be selected on the Basic Search page?
a) Publisher
b) Subject
c) ISBN Book Number
d) Call Number

4. How do you search the catalog for only audiovisual items?
a) Type the word audiovisual on the Basic Search page
b) Type the word audiovisual on the Advanced Search page
c) Click the box next to "Audiovisual" in the limiters section of the Advanced Search page
d) None of the above answers

5. How can you create a Results List that screens out the Items that are checked out already?
a) Click on box "Only items currently available for loan or reference" in the limiters section of the Advanced Search page
b) Under "Refine your search" column on the Results List page, click the link "limit to currently available items"
c) Type the word "available" on the Advanced Search page
d) Both a and b

6. How do you sort the Results List by author?
a) Choose author next to the Basic Search box
b) Change the sort limiter on the Basic Search page
c) Type the word author in the search box on the Advanced Search page
d) Change the sort limiter on the Advanced Search page

7. What is the advantage of logging into your account when using the catalog?
a) You can place a hold on a book.
b) You can create a book list.
c) You can add books to a cart to view later.
d) All of the above.

8. When finding information for your citation, what information is not available in NORMAL VIEW of the catalog record?
a) Copyright date
b) Publisher place
c) Title
d) Author

9. Why will you get a longer Results list using a keyword search instead of a subject search?
a) A keyword search looks for the search term in the subject field
b) A keyword search is the easiest search
c) A keyword search looks for the search term in the entire catalog record
d) A keyword search can be used in both a basic and advanced search

10. What information is available in NORMAL VIEW that is missing in CARD/ISBN VIEW of the catalog record?
a) The Holdings Information: Item type, Location, Call Number, Status, Date Due
b) The title and author
c) Publisher
d) Number of pages


Tutorials home Library Web Page LOC Call Numbers Library Catalog Library Databases

Original GILT material ©2010 is a tutorial developed by Goodwin College Library.
by Alicia Cornelio