Using the Library Catalog
Subject Headings
The online library catalog (OneSearch) uses specific labels for subject headings/topics, and books are "tagged" in the computer by those terms according to their topics. The online library catalog is expecting you to use those specific search terms when you do a "Subject" search.
If you need help figuring out the right words to use, ask a Reference Librarian!
eBook Tutorial
Information Needed from OneSearch to Find Book on Shelf
Once you have search results, click on one of the books. A screen for that book will pop up
For each book you will see the citation information, description, collection, call number, and status.
Always check the status first to make sure it says "Available" before you get too excited about a book.
Then check which collection it can be found in. If it says "General Collection" it is in the white-labeled bookcases, and if it says "Reference Collection" it is in the green-labeled bookcases. If it says "Delano Library", it's at the Delano Campus.
Lastly, always write down the entire call number! See the box below about how to use that to find the book on the shelf.
Call Numbers and Finding Books on the Shelf
Call Number= the address of the book on its spine
The signs on the end of the bookcases only refer to first two lines of a call #.
Pay attention to "collection" on the book entry in the catalog:
REFERENCE= Green-labeled bookcases
GENERAL= White-labeled bookcases
Once in correct aisle, read call number, matching one line at a time, until find the right book. Browse the shelves around it for possibly more books on your topic.
Helpful Search Terms for "Subject" Search in OneSearch
Need ideas? Here are some popular controversial issues that are causes worth fighting for:
Homelessness
Homeless persons [has subtopics]
Homelessness [has subtopics]
Homeless women [has subtopics]
Homeless Youth [has subtopics]
Veterans
Veterans [has subtopics]
Retired military personnel [has subtopics]
Education
Education [has lots of subtopics]
Teaching [has subtopics]
Schools [has subtopics]
Prison Reform
Prison administration
Prison discipline
Prison industries—Corrupt practices—United States
Prison sentences [has subtopics]
Prisoners [has subtopics]
Capital punishment [has subtopics]
Death row—United States
Death row inmates [has subtopics]
Punishment
Immigration
Emigration and immigration [has subtopics]
Emigration and immigration law—United States
United States—Emigration and immigration [has subtopics]
United States—Emigration and immigration—Government policy [has subtopics]
Wage Issues
Minimum wage
Minimum wage—United States
Income distribution—United States [has subtopics]
Labor supply—United States
United States—Economic conditions [has subtopics]
Wages [has subtopics]
Wages—Women [has subtopics]
Discrimination
Discrimination [has subtopics]
Race discrimination [has subtopics]
Prejudices [has subtopics]
Minorities [has subtopics]
Toleration
Animal Rights
Animal welfare [has tons of subtopics]
Animal rights [has tons of subtopics]
Animal rights movement [has subtopics]
Animal industry [has subtopics]
Agricultural industries [has subtopics]
Livestock [has tons of subtopics]
Human-animal relationships [has subtopics]
Animal experimentation [has subtopics]
Laboratory animals
Vivisection [has subtopics]
Animal genetic engineering
Animal rescue--United States
Animal shelters
Animal societies
Animals--Laws and Legislation--United States
GMO Issues
Genetically modified foods [has subtopics]
Genetic engineering
Food [has subtopics]
Food—Biotechnology
Autism
Autism [has subtopics]
Autism spectrum disorders [has subtopics]
Autistic children [has subtopics]
Autism in children [has subtopics]
Rights for Mentally Ill
Mental illness [has subtopics]
Mental health [has subtopics]
Mental health services [has subtopics]
Community mental health services
Environmental Issues
Environmental law
Environmental responsibility
Green movement [has subtopics]
Global environmental change [has subtopics]
Also search specific topics, i.e. air--pollution, etc.
Medical Research
Medicine—Research [has subtopics]
Human experimentation in medicine [has subtopics]
Medicine, Experimental
Medical ethics [has subtopics]
Clinical trials [has subtopics]
Political Issues
Women—Political activity—United States
Voting [has subtopics]
Elections [has subtopics]
Politics, Practical
Women—Political activity—United States
Term limits (Public office)—United States
Electoral college—United States
Elderly
Older people [has lots of subtopics]
Old age [has subtopics]
Longevity [has subtopics]
Aging [has subtopics]