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!
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.
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 to the left about how to use that to find the book on the shelf.