Searching Advice
- Look for titles cited in other books or articles that you have read on the topic. Start by searching in IUCAT, and if you don't find it there, try WorldCat.
- Use broad search terms to start. Most catalogs only search in titles, chapter titles, and sometimes book summaries rather than the full-text, so you want to give yourself the best chance of finding relevant works.
- Change up your search terms. Scholars from different fields may use different terminology or approach a topic from different directions, so don't hesitate to skim your search results and change up how you're searching.
- Use built-in tools, like filtering by Subject, to narrow your search. Subjects are topical tags assigned to individual titles that can lead you to related works.
Catalogs & Search Tools
-
IUCAT This link opens in a new windowIUCAT, the online catalog for all titles available through IU Libraries, is 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.
- Limit results to the Bloomington campus for titles that can be accessed or checked out quickly.
- Materials held at the ALF (Auxiliary Library Facility) or other IU campuses can only be accessed via the Request This button.
- 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.
-
Request Chapter (or Article) DeliveryNeed just one chapter from a print book on the shelf in Wells Library or at the ALF? Fill out this request form to have the chapter scanned for you.
-
Request a title through Interlibrary Loan (ILL)If you can't access the book or article that you need through IU, fill out this form to submit an ILL request to receive a digital or print copy from another institution. First-time users will need to register their account using the 14-digit code displayed on their CrimsonCard in the IU Mobile app.