How to Search the Catalogue
Quick Catalogue Search tips (printer friendly version)
Using Quick Search
1. From the Library homepage
2. Choose Catalogue
3. Under Search words type:
- a. Book title eg Introduction to Philosophy
Note: When searching for a book title, don't use articles (a, an, the, le, la, et) at the beginning of the title. eg. type Australian TV book instead of The Australian TV book
Under Search Type, select Title (first words). Click GO! - b. Author's name eg Keneally Thomas
Under Search Type, select Author (last name first) Click GO!
- c. Subject headings eg. drugs
Under Search Type, select Subject headings Click GO!
Note: These headings have been assigned by the Library of Congress and may not reflect Australian usage. Use the search below for a less restricted search, which combines subjects or keywords. - d. Keywords eg. australia and aborigines and
health
Under Search Type, select Keywords (boolean) Click GO!
Use this search to combine keywords, using the word 'and' between the terms.
To search a phrase use speech marks to keep the terms together
Keywords eg. "Singapore English"
Under Search Type select Keyword (Boolean) Then click GO!
Results list
- The catalogue records that closely match the keywords are displayed
in descending order of relevance.
- This list can be reordered by clicking the arrow beside Relevance
in the Sort by box.
Select Date most recent to reorder this search to the most recent published titles listed first. - Click on a title to see further information eg. Forgetting compliance: Aboriginal health and medical culture
- Particularly note the following information:
Location: Main Collection
Call Number: RA563.A8.H858
Status: Check Shelves
Location
Within the Library collection are a number of specific collections:
- Curriculum -Teaching resources for the classroom, preschool to Year 12. Level 3
- Main Collection -Resources not designated to special collections. Levels 3 & 4.
- NCELTR -Resources at the National Centre for English Language Teaching & Research. The collection is particularly focused on English as a Second Language. Materials can be borrowed using your student card. Located at W6B, Room 382.
- Ready Ref - Reference materials located near the Reference & Research Advisory Desk for quick access. Level 3
- Reference - Materials that provide an introduction to a subject area, such as subject specific encyclopedias, handbooks and dictionaries.
- Reserve -Items placed on Unit reading lists and which are in high demand. Physical items may be borrowed for 3 hours and used only within the Library.
The Library uses the Library of Congress classification system and every item in the Library has a unique call number. This will help you locate the item on the shelf.
Call numbers start with the letters of the alphabet. These broadly indicate the subject area of the book.
eg L=Education, Q=Science
In the catalogue the call number for a particular item will be written in a straight line.
eg. PR9598.W566.D57
On the spine of the book the call number will appear as:
PR
9598
W566
D57
Status
Status indicates whether there are copies available for borrowing; for
use in the Library only - Not for loan, being held for a borrower, or
out on loan.
The following terms are used:
- Check Shelves - The item is in the Library and available for borrowing.
- Not for Loan - Item may be used in the Library, but not borrowed.
- Hold - The item has been reserved and is held for the person who has
requested it.
- Due date stated - Out on loan until the given date.