Video Transcript
Searching the Library Catalogue
The library catalogue can be used to search for resources available in York’s libraries, including books, journals, newspapers, government documents and audiovisual materials. In addition to searching for items contained physically within the library, the catalogue can be used to identify online resources such as ebooks and ejournals.
If you are searching for materials with a specific title or by a particular author, simply enter the title or author’s name in the search box located on the library homepage. However, if you are searching for materials on a specific topic, it is usually best to use the advanced search.
The library’s advanced search functions like other databases— one identifies appropriate keywords and connects them with the search operators AND, OR, and NOT. If you are unsure about how to identify keywords or how to use search operators, review the first part of this module.
For an example, “Choose one aboriginal group and discuss its challenges in asserting control over ancestral land”. And we’ll stick with aboriginal groups from outside the United States.
Enter the keywords and connect them using the appropriate search operators. Click the “Find” button.
The result is a list of resources arranged by how well they match the keywords entered. It is usually possible to narrow the results by publication type, location, publication year, language, etc. Key information about each resource, such as title, authors, when it was published, etc., will be displayed.
Clicking on a title will provide additional information such as where the item is located, the call number, and whether it is available or checked out. For online items, a link will be provided to the resource. Further, it will provide “subject” terms that often provide good keywords for further searching.
If the results are not fully satisfactory, choose an item that is partially relevant and examine the subject terms for this item. These terms can be useful starting points for further searching.
If you’re ever stuck, wonder if there are other avenues to explore, or are encountering challenges using any library resources, don’t hesitate to consult a librarian by using the “Ask a Librarian” online chat, or inquire in person at any library reference desk.
