Tips for Finding Books
Types of Searches
Keyword
- Combine terms using AND.
- This search returns records that contain words that match exactly what you typed in.
- This is often (but not always) the best place to start.
Subject
- Catalog uses pre-defined subjects.
- This type of search works well if you are browsing for a particular subject that you know or a broad term. So if you aren't finding anything, switch to the keyword search instead.
- Subjects are arranged using the Library of Congress Classification system.
Author
- Author searches are for looking for items a particular person has authored or written.
- The library catalog works best if you type in searches in the format "Lastname, Firstname."
- If you want books about a person, search for their name by subject.
Title
- Use this search if you know the title of the material that you want.
Looking for something not owned by Alkek Library?
Worldcat is a database containing catalog records from libraries around the world. This is a great place to identify materials you might want to request on interlibrary loan, if our library doesn't own them.
- WorldCat (on FirstSearch) This link opens in a new windowIndexes items owned by libraries throughout the U.S. and internationally. Items not owned by Texas State may be requestable via interlibrary loan. This version of WorldCat does not offer permalinking, use the public version instead.
Locating Book at University Libraries
- Call Numbers will guide you to the location of physical items within the library.
- If you are having problems with finding a particular book, you can Ask Us! for help.
- This guide may also help you: Locating Books by Call Number