How to Search the Library Catalogue

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a book?
Why do I sometimes get an error message when I search for an item?
How do I search for popular Hollywood movies?
How do I list feature films on DVD in your Catalogue?
How do I search for books on CD?
How do I search for video games?
How do I know which results are CDs, DVDs, or VHS tapes?
What are "Internet Resources" or" Internet Databases"?

How do I find a book?

Keyword is the default search, whether you choose a title, author, subject, etc. search.
The Quick Search screen appears when you connect to the Catalogue.
Keyword Search is now the default search, whether you choose a title, author, subject, etc. search, OR you may choose Exact Search.
Use Advanced Search when you wish to structure a more detailed search.
Enter your terms (words), choose the type of search from the drop-down menu and click on the Search button. It searches for your word(s) and displays results in a chronological list by publication date.

Why do I sometimes get an error message when I search for an item?

There are a few common words that may result in error messages. These words, also called Boolean operators, are all used in advanced search techniques, known as Boolean searching. The computer does not recognize these as English words when they are used in a Keyword search. These words are:

not
same
with
near

In order to use these terms as words, enclose them in quotation marks, e.g.:

bud "not" buddy (title)
"same" sex marriage (subject)
"with" no one as witness (title)
"near" death experiences (subject)

How do I search for popular Hollywood movies (feature films)?

To search for a specific film if you're not sure of the precise title:

Using Advanced Search enter the words feature films and select subject.
Enter any words you know from the title of the film and select the title box to narrow your search.
Click on Search.

To search for movies in either DVD or VHS format

Using Advanced Search select your preferred format from the type drop-down menu, i.e. DVD or Video.
Click on Search.

How do I list feature films on DVD in your Catalogue?

Using Advanced Search enter feature films in the subject box.
Enter DVD in title box.
Click on Search.

How do I search for books on CD?

Using Advanced Search, enter any information you know about the title or the author.
Select Book on CD from the type drop-down menu.
Click on Search.

How do I search for video games?

Numerous options exist for searching the video game collection. A couple of options are described below.

Using Advanced Search, enter any information you know about the name of the game in title, or you may leave all fields blank.
Select Game from the type drop-down menu.
Click on Search.

OR you may also search for games by gaming system, e.g. Wii, Playstation 2, or Xbox.

Using Advanced Search, enter xbox in subject
Select Game from the type drop-down menu.
Click on Search.

How do I know which are books, CDs, DVDs, or VHS tapes?

Most of the items in the list of your search results have a small description as part of the title, and many have a small icon at the left of the screen that indicates the format, e.g.:

[DVD]
[videorecording]
[CD]
[book on CD]

What are "Internet Resources" or" Internet Databases"?

In addition to searching our library catalogue, we invite you to explore our extensive collection of Internet Databases. These are a collection of resources available for you to use free from the library, or from home or laptop using your library card. They contain newspaper and magazine articles, articles from reference books and encyclopedias. Other examples are NoveList Plus which will help you find good books to read, and Career Cruising which contains all you need to know about different careers. These authoritative resources are excellent for general research or school projects.

Connect to the Catalogue

You can now look for books and other library materials. Use your library card and PIN number to check your library card account, place holds, renew books, etc.

Updated December 2009

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