Advanced Catalog Search

An advanced catalog search combines search elements to refine a search or limit a search based on criteria configured by your library. Searches can include a single word or several words with operators and special punctuation. An advanced catalog search returns catalog records that contain the word or words that you entered for the search.

You can begin an advanced catalog search by selecting Advanced Catalog Search wherever it is available.

1. Type in the information for your search as described below.
2. Click Search to begin the search.
3. Use Searching Tips if you need help.
4. Refine or limit the search if no results display.

Combining Search Elements

You can combine search index elements such as word or phrase, author, title, subject, series, periodical title, or other searches configured by your library. Use the drop-down list arrows to select other available search options.

• Type a General word or phrase for a typical search.
• Type an Author to search for the name. You can search for an author by the first name, last name, or initials. However, searching by an author's last name produces a more complete list of search results.
• Type a Title to search for an item by title. The search ignores articles as well as other stopwords.
• Type a Subject to search the subject index.
• Type a Series to search for a series title.
• Type a Periodical Title to search the periodical keyword index.

Combine search index elements in Advanced Catalog Search using Boolean operators. Use the drop-down list arrows to select an operator to combine search elements. Boolean operators (AND, NOT, OR, XOR) locate records containing matching terms in one of the specified fields, both of the specified fields, or all of the specified fields. Use Boolean operators to connect words or phrases between more than one text field, or use Boolean operators to connect words or phrases within a text field.

• Use the AND operator to locate records containing all of the specified search terms. For example, if you search under "dogs AND cats", the e-library locates records containing all of the specified terms.
• Use the OR operator to locate records matching any or all of the specified terms. For example, if you search under "dogs OR cats", the e-library locates records containing either the first search term or the second.
• Use the NOT operator to locate records containing the first search term but not the second. For example, if you search under "dogs NOT cats", the e-library locates records containing the first search term but not the second.
• Use the XOR (exclusive or) operator to locate records matching any of the specified terms but not all of the specified terms. For example, if you search under "dogs XOR cats", the e-library locates records matching any one of the specified terms but not all of the specified terms.

Once you have combined search elements using Boolean operators, you can click Search to start your search.

Limiting the Search

You can limit the search based on criteria configured by your library. Other limit options may be available.

• If available, select a Library to limit your search to a specific branch, or select ALL to search in all branches.
• If your library has holdings in a variety of languages, select a Language.
• Select an Item Type to limit your search to Books, CDs, E-books, or other item types provided by your library.
• If your library has holdings in a variety of formats (such as printed music, maps, and equipment), select a Format.
• If available, select the term to Match On Exact, Keyword, or Partial matches.
• If available, select an Item Group to limit the search to item groups provided by your library.
• Select a shelving Location in your library.
• If available, select other item categories as defined by your library.
• In the Pub Year box, type the year the item was published, if known.
• You can sort your power search results by selecting criteria in the Sort Results By box. Options might include sorting by author, title, or other criteria determined by your library.

Once you have limited the search, you can click Search to start your search.

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