Associate Librarian
Catalogs & Search Tools
These catalogs and search tools are your best bets for discovering and accessing a wide range of books and ebooks to use as both primary and secondary sources. Can't find what you need? Use the interlibrary loan link at the bottom of this box to make a request, or use the buttons beneath my photo to get in touch.
- IUCAT This link opens in a new window
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IUCAT, the online catalog for all titles available through IU Libraries, is the often the best place to start a search for books and ebooks, and also includes government documents, videos, and sound recordings.
- Use broad search terms to give IUCAT the best chance of finding relevant titles.
- Use the red Request This button to have print materials delivered to the most convenient library for pick-up.
- Use the filters like Subject and Publication Year on the left side of the page to narrow your search results.
- When you find one title that looks promising, use the hyperlinked Subject headings to locate additional titles.
- Watch this brief video tutorial on searching and accessing books and ebooks in IUCAT.
- WorldCatExpand your search to include titles available at IU and a majority of library systems across the United States and abroad.
- If you find a title in a citation or bibliography and can't locate it in IUCAT, search WorldCat to locate and request the title.
- Unlike IUCAT, WorldCat can also locate specific articles and book chapters.
- Click View Indiana University-Bloomington Catalog to access titles that are available through IUCAT.
- Click the red Request through ILL button to submit a pre-filled form to receive the title from another institution.
- Use the hyperlinked Subjects to continue your search.
- If you encounter issues requesting books through WorldCat, please send me an email or visit this site for troubleshooting steps.
- HathiTrust Digital Library
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Use HathiTrust to find the full-text of out-of-copyright books and journals. Many of these titles are also discoverable in IUCAT, but you may find new or different sources due to the search functionality and features on this platform. - Google BooksEven though many books are only available in "preview" mode in Google Books, it can be a lifesaver. Use it alongside a print copy of a book to find particularly relevant sections to read or glance at an introduction at home before deciding whether to check the book out from the library.
- Request a title through Interlibrary Loan (ILL)Request and access titles that you have not been able to locate in IUCAT or WorldCat through Interlibrary Loan. Watch this brief video for an introduction.