The search screens

The Basic Search screen / Multi-field search / Advanced search

Limit your search / Words adjacent / Sort options / Format options / Preferences

The first search screen you see in our catalog is divided into two areas : The top one is labelled Search for a keyword, and the lower one is Browse a list of headings. Why are there two different techniques available right from the start?

A keyword search is an inclusive one that will bring up every record in which your word appears. It's the best choice when you have incomplete information -- a couple of words from a title, for instance -- or when you want to cast a wide net and see everything in our collection that might pertain to a certain topic. A browse search makes an exact match between the words you enter and an alphabetized list of headings. When you have precise information -- perhaps a title from a bibliography or syllabus -- it's the most efficient way to determine very quickly whether that item is in our collection.

Keyword searching

Suppose you have a vague memory of a title that includes the words giant sleeping. Using the top Search for a keyword area, enter these two words in the box, and choose Title Words from the Field to search drop-down menu. Then, hit Go :

You will receive records for two books by Robert Hudnut about the church as a "sleeping giant." As you see, the words you entered could appear anywhere in the title, not even in the same order, and a keyword search will retrieve them.

Note the tiny blue numbers on the far left side of the illustration. Click on the tiny number to view the full bibliographic record for the item. In the full record, the call number is found near the top, beside the word Holdings.

(Please note : if there is no Holdings line, that means the item is still on order or in processing, and not yet available for use. If you need access to such an item, please have a word with the Cataloging staff -- they may be able to allow you to see the item.)

Now return to the previous screen.

You can also get the call number of an item by clicking on the mysteriously labelled Collection column, on the right side of the screen.

You will receive a short form of the bibliographic record, and a box showing Holdings information. The call number is found there. Note the column headed Due Date. If it says On Shelf, then that item is in the stacks waiting for you -- you may go and get it.

If there is a date in that column, that means someone else has already borrowed the item. You may be able to recall it, or put a "hold" on it, so that you will be notified when it is returned and you can be the next in line to borrow it. Contact our Circulation Desk for more information about borrowing procedures and policies.

Browse searching

Browse searching is helpful when you know the exact title of a particular item, and you just want to find out whether the Library owns it. Enter your information, choose Title, and hit Go.

You can also choose Journal Title or Series. This is especially handy because periodicals and monograph series often have very general names like Theology or Interpretation, and doing a keyword search on terms like those in our collection can yield a large number of records to read through.

You can also use a Browse search to find the accurate form of an author's name, as it appears in bibliographic records.