A library catalog:
Most library catalogs are now online and can be accessed via the free and open internet; it is not necessary to access through the portal of a particular educational institution.
The object of a library catalog is to enable a person to find any work accessible via its library, whether print or non-print, by
"Known-item" searches are those in which the searcher already knows the name of the author or title of the work being sought.
"Unknown-item" searches are those in which the searcher is in doubt which information sources s/he needs. Subject and Advanced/Keyword (a more flexible type of subject search) searches are used to generate a results list of "known" items.
A library online catalog contains records for
An online catalog does not contain records for
"Partial" items are "minor titles" which, if seen in print, would be enclosed in quotation marks These are located through electronic databases or print bibliographies or indexes.
LinkPath to JaxCat: University home page ==> Library home page ==> Search Library Resources ==> radio button set to JaxCat (leave box blank) ==> Search
Tabs plus dropdown menu offer full array of searches available through JaxCat. Note the Search Tips provided for each search tab.
Tabs
Author:
Subject:
Note: Library of Congress Subject Headings (available on each floor of the library) is an alphabetic listing, with cross references) of the subject headings used in JaxCat. The Library of Congress Classification, also available on each floor, provides the same information, only in call number order.
Advanced
Dropdown menu off Basic Search
Author: (last name, first name) is the more precise search
Title: True Title is the most precise search, Title Keyword(s) the least
Book item record
Subjects are relevance hierarchical from the top down
Relevance matching trifecta:
Searchbox terms found in book title or Subjects = +1
Searchbox terms found in Full Record View (upper right of pane) = +1
Searchbox terms found in "About This Book"/abstract (lower right of pane) = +1
Now I've got my book; what do I do with It?
Use the entire book; don't go immediately to the main text. Use the front matter to help align your approach to the book to the author's interests and intents, and employ the back matter to help navigate the main text and amplify its contents. While the Acknowledgements, Preface, and Contents Page may be helpful, of greater use will be the
Introduction
Main Text (Body)
The back matter of a book usually clarifies or makes more easily navigable the main part of the book (Index), or expands upon the contents of the text.
Appendices
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
Index