Library DIY

Enter a keyword that describes your topic.
In the library catalog IUCAT, it is usually best to keep your search simple.      

Examples: bilingual education; gothic architecture; greek utopias; cochlear implants.

Review the search results page for relevant items. The results page includes basic information on an item like title, publication date, format, and campuses that have the item.

When you find a relevant book, click on the Title to see the full record. 

The full catalog record includes subject headings that describe what a book is about. To find more books with the same heading click on that heading.

Find more relevant books by viewing information in the left-side panel of the the results page. (For example, click on Subjects to see subject headings associated with your results.) 

Write down call numbers of relevant books (or text them to your phone through IUCAT).
Books are organized on the shelves by subject, so when you find a book on the shelf browse the section for other relevant books.

Your catalog search may include items with call numbers from more than one area, so you may want to browse more than just one area.

When you find the book you're looking for in the catalog, be sure to check the location of the book as well as the call number. This will tell you in which library or library collection the book is located. Use the Wells Library Collections Directory to help you find books located in Wells.