Catalog

Open https://www.simmons.edu/library/

in another browser window to work through this tutorial side by side.

Introduction

This tutorial is designed to teach you how to search in Simmons Library's catalog.

Use the arrows below to move through the tutorial.

Finding the library catalog

On the library's homepage, click the Catalog link located directly underneath the Library Search bar.

Catalog link on the Library Search homepage

The catalog search bar will allow you to find books, journals, DVDs, and more through the Simmons Library.

Library Catalog Search

Finding books by keyword searching

Using this search bar, let's try an All Fields search for 'red sox' (catalog is set to All Fields by default). Type 'red sox' in the catalog search bar. Click 'Find.'

How many results did you get?

Finding books by keyword searching cont.

Scroll through some of the titles and look for the words in highlighted in yellow. 

Where does the catalog look for your keywords?

Finding things by title

Sometimes you might have a specific title you are interested in. 

At the top of the page, click on 'Library Catalog' above the search box to start a new search.

New Library Catalog Search

Finding things by title cont.

Let's say a professor wants you to find the book Handbook of Social Work in Health and Aging.

Type Handbook of Social Work in Health and Aging in the search box.

Using the drop down menu next to the search box, change the search from 'All Fields' to 'Title.' Search for the book.

Fields Filter Drop-Down Menu

How can you access this book?

Finding things by title cont.

If you want to get the print version of this book, where do you need to go to get it?

Call numbers

To find a book in the library, you'll need the call number.

What is the call number for Handbook of Social Work in Health and Aging?

Call numbers cont.

Click on the book version of the resource in your search results. Once you're in the book detailed page, you'll find a button labeled 'Text this.'

Item record of the handbook of social work on the results page

This allows you to send the title and call number to your phone.

Text this button to send call number to mobile phone

Other Search Filters

Searching the catalog by author is the best way to find everything the library has by one person.

You can apply other filters to aid your search in the catalog, such as Author, Subject, Call Number, and ISBN/ISSN.

Library Catalog in the Author Drop Down Menu

Certificate

Please enter your name and email address to retrieve a copy of your completed quiz.

You can enter multiple email addresses separated by commas. If you are doing this for a class, you may need to enter your instructor's email address also.

Feedback

What did you think of this tutorial?

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