WorldCat

This tutorial will guide you through using WorldCat to locate a book in a library near you.

Occasionally a word will be underlined. Clicking on it will give you a definition or in-depth explanation.

Use the arrows below to navigate through the tutorial.

Accessing WorldCat

In the Find and Borrow drop down menu at the top of library homepage, select Materials at Other Libraries.

Accessing WorldCat Cont.

In the WorldCat section of the page, click on the WorldCat link.

Congratulations, you are now in WorldCat!

Note: If WorldCat opens in a new window or tab, click here to stay in the tutorial.

Finding a Book in WorldCat

Let's search for a book in WorldCat.

Type in the title: The New Jim Crow and click the search button.

Finding a Book in WorldCat Cont.

We're looking for Michelle Alexander's book, which is the first result, so we don't need to narrow down the results at all.

However, you can always use advanced search (located in the menu bar at the top left of the page) or any of the filters in the left column to get more specific.

Click on the book title to see more information about it.

Finding Resources Nearby

On the right-hand side of the page, you'll notice an Access Options section. If you clicked on the button that says 'Request Item through Interlibrary Loan,' you'll be taken directly to your Interlibrary Loan account.

Since Simmons Library owns this book, you'll also notice a Simmons University Catalog link underneath this button where you can request the item directly from Simmons. In cases where Simmons does not have a resource, the catalog link will not appear.

On this detailed page about the book, scroll down until you see the Other Availability & Holdings section. Click on the Other Libraries Worldwide button.

Finding Resources Nearby Cont.

Libraries who own The New Jim Crow are automatically organized by their proximity to Simmons University. You'll notice Simmons appears first on the list because we have it in our collection.

Let's say you live far away from Simmons, but want to find the closest physical copy of The New Jim Crow to your address.

Enter your zipcode and click Change Location. For example:

Finding Resources Nearby Cont.

Depending on the library, you may be able to check the book out, or read it in the library and make copies.

We suggest contacting their Circulation or Reference Desks for details.

*Did you know? Public Libraries also provide Interlibrary Loan Services.

Tutorial Summary

In this guide you practiced:

• Getting to a database through the Simmons Library
• Search for a known item (The New Jim Crow)
• Using WorldCat to locate a book at a library near you.

For more information about Interlibrary Loan, check our Guide on the Side on the subject.

Have any questions about this resource or other resources & services the Simmons Library provides?

Contact the Library Service Desk at [email protected], through chat, or at 617-521-2780.

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