First Year Seminar Support Guide: Finding Books, etc.

You can find a book by searching Library Search, our online catalog, or by visiting a particular section in the library and browsing the shelves for books on a similar topic. Library Search and the online catalog are both accessible via the tabbed searchbox in the center of our homepage. Library Search is the default search. Access the online catalog by clicking the "Books & More" tab in the searchbox. In addition to physical books, our online catalog offers access to ebooks and streaming films, as well.

What do you need to know once you find a book in the catalog?

• Pay attention to the book's status to confirm if it is available and on the shelf
• Books are organized by call number, which is library jargon for the book's 'address' on the shelf
• We made finding books easier by adding a "Map It" button next to the book's status to show you the book's floor and shelf location 
• Once you find the book on the shelf, use your APPcard to borrow it. You can do that at the main service desk on the first floor.

If you need a book we don't have, request it via interlibrary loan.

Here is a short tutorial on using Library Search to find books and ebooks (link will open in a new window).