How Do I . . . ?  

The keyword search searches all of the fields and can bring up a large number of results.

It may not be the most efficient way to search.

The keyword search is most beneficial when:

• The exact title is not known
  • Use one or two major title words
• The exact subject heading is not known
  • Use your best guess for subject terms
• A complex search with multiple concept is needed
  • Use "and" between your concepts to narrow the search
• "And" is a "Boolean operator"

Use the Advanced Search to search multiple concepts in various fields.

• Limit and sort results with the Advanced search.
• Advanced Search uses Boolean Logic to narrow or broaden. 
• Boolean Logic can be used in most databases.

SEARCH THE BOYDEN LIBRARY CATALOG

Searching Tips

The Boyden Library Online Catalog is the finding tool for materials the library owns (books, e-books, DVDs, CDs, videos, online databases, and more).

• The catalog is a database, or electronic file.
• It is available in the library and on the Internet.
• Each item owned by the library has a record in this database.
• These records are divided into fields.
• Each field contains specific information about the item.
• The highlighted words are the search terms.

In addition to information about the item, the catalog also provides the "call number" or location of the item in the library.

• The library uses the Dewey Decimal System, a numerical system, to organize items on the shelf.
• The floor on which the item can be found is provided in addition to the item's status (available or due + the date).

The catalog offers the opportunity to search for materials in various ways (by author, title, subject, keyword, and more).

• The author search searches the author field.
• The title search searches the title field.
• The subject search searches the subject field.

The most direct way to search is to use the most specific information.

• If the author, title, or exact subject heading are known, use that search.
• Results will appear as an alphabetical list that can be browsed.

For more information about how the catalog works, how to use it, or how to find books in the library, contact a Reference Librarian or call (413) 774-1510.