Skip navigation

Learning Resource Center


Library

Help in Finding a Book

  1. Go to the library catalog:

    2. If you are looking for a subject:
    • Do a keyword search. This will bring up any record that has your search word.
    • Look for other words that also describe your topic and redo the search.

    If you can’t find anything:
    • Use fewer words in your search
    • Use a broader word
    • Try using other words
    • Check your spelling
    • Check which field you are searching.

    If you’re finding too much:
    • Use more search terms
    • Use a more specific word
    • Go into Advanced Search and combine searches, for example, combine a title keyword with an author keyword.
    • Limit to books in your library. In Basic Search, pick City College Library from the drop-down menu in the upper right-hand corner and redo the search (click on the white arrow in a green circle).

    If you have a title of a book:
    • Do a title search. If you don't know the exact title, search by title keyword.

    If you are looking for an author:
    • Do an author search and put the surname first.

  2. Read the record:
    • Campus: This says which campus the book is at.
    • Location:
      • Circulating Collection: At City, the circulating books (available for checkout) are upstairs.
      • Reference Collection: These are for use in the library only.
      • Internet: This is an ebook. Click on “Full Text” to read it. If you need a password and do not have one, you can come to the reference desk and get the password, or you can make your own free account with NetLibrary.
      • Reserves: Fill out a form at the Information Desk, and take the form to the Circulation Desk staff. They will get the item for you.
    • Call Number: These group the books into broad subjects and are made up of letters and then numbers.
    • Status:
      • Checked In – You can check out the book.
      • Checked Out – Someone has already checked out the book. Notice the due date when they have to return it.

  3. Bring the book to the Circulation Desk (front desk); you will need your current student ID card.
Top