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Page: 10 of 13 Page 1: Research Skills Page 2: Introduction Page 3: Locating and retrieving relevant information Page 4: The information landscape Page 5: Carrying out your literature search Page 6: Define your topic Page 7: Develop your search strategy Page 8: Define your keywords Page 9: Narrow your search Page 10: Library catalogues Page 11: Indexes & online databases Page 12: Internet search tools Page 13: Refining your search strategy « Prev | Next »  

Library Catalogues - OPACs

Your university library OPAC will hold details of books, journals, conference papers, and electronic resources that are available.

In general library OPACs allow you to search by title, author, subject and keyword and possibly combinations of these search fields in more advanced searching options.

Title Search: use this when you know the exact title of a journal or book.

Author Search: use this if you have the full name of an author, most catalogues ask for the surname to be entered first.

Keyword Search: Use this if you are unsure of a spelling, don't have full author or title details or wish to carry out a broader search.

Subject Search: will give you a broad view of your topic, use the thesaurus to discover broader and narrower subject headings to enhance a subject search.

Found some relevant information sources?

  • Note down the whole of the reference, the location information and circulation details so you are able to retrieve your item.
  • Keeping these notes will also help you when you are compiling your bibliography.
  • If you have any problems finding material ask a member of library staff, most libraries will have help desk and written library guides to help you find your way around.

Haven't found the information you need in your own library?

Try searching another library's catalogue, many are now online.

How do I access other libraries collections?

  • Via your library's Inter-Library Loan Service.
  • Make sure you have the full reference to hand and find out how long it will take to get the resource. Will you be able to get it in time for your work?

Page: 10 of 13 Page 1: Research Skills Page 2: Introduction Page 3: Locating and retrieving relevant information Page 4: The information landscape Page 5: Carrying out your literature search Page 6: Define your topic Page 7: Develop your search strategy Page 8: Define your keywords Page 9: Narrow your search Page 10: Library catalogues Page 11: Indexes & online databases Page 12: Internet search tools Page 13: Refining your search strategy « Prev | Next »