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Searching the Library catalogue

The Library catalogue allows you to quickly search for various types of material, including:


The catalogue provides useful information such as: call numbers and location details, the status of items (e.g. if it is on the shelf or already on loan to another borrower), and links to any relevant electronic content via Find It. See also our tips for searching the catalogue.

The catalogue also allows you to place holds, check your library record and renew loans.

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Books

  • A keyword search is a quick way to find items including books. Type your keywords into the Find box and click on Search. You can combine keywords from the book’s title and author or subject.

    Book
  • If you know the title, change the search type from Keyword or “phrase” anywhere to Title or Title Keywords (remember to leave out the first word if it is The, A, or An).
  • For books on a particular topic, change the search type to Subject keywords.
  • When checking if an item is available look for the total Number of items held as well as the Status.
    Compare the number of items and the status to see what's available

Journal content

  • To find a specific journal article, you will need to locate the journal first. Do this by using the Journal title search option (without the preceding The, A or An).

    journals
  • The displayed holdings information will tell you where any hard copies of the journals are located, and which volumes/issues/years the Library has.

    Holdings
  • Use the Find It button at the right hand side column to access any available electronic content.

Videos or DVDs

  • To search for videos or DVDs do a keyword search and add:
    • “videorecording” to find both videos and DVDs
    • “DVD” to find only DVDs
  • More information about our Audiovisual collection.

Reserve collection

  • Click on the Reserve tab on the catalogue search page.
  • You will be given the option of searching by Lecturer, School or Course (subject).
  • Any reserve material (i.e. high use items) will then be displayed.

Past Exams

  • Past exam papers are available to download as PDF files.
  • To see if the Library holds any past exam papers for your course, click on the Reserve tab on the catalogue search page and select your course code. Any past exams available will then be displayed.
  • More information about Past Exam papers

Other search tips

  • Use “?” to widen your keyword search, e.g. “comput?” will find: computer, computers, computing, etc.
  • You can limit your search results to:
    • Electronic resources
    • Recent items (in the last 5 years)
    • Or, a particular Library site (e.g. Carlton or Bundoora)
  • You can browse by Author (surname first)
  • Use the Advanced Search to build more complex searches.