Student Support

Summary of Instructions for Using the Library Catalog

 

Beginning the Search

  • Click the Library Catalog icon on the Library Home Page

  • When the search screen appears, first read the brief instructions below the textbox, and then decide how you want to use the available described options to formulate your search.

  • Type your search terms in the textbox and choose a keyword, browse, or exact search.

  • Use the mouse to click the buttons below the textbox to indicate the type of search you want:  e. g.  “Search Everything”, Author; Title; Subject, etc.

Assessing Search Results

  • When an item or a list of items displays onscreen, review the list and choose the items you want.

  • Click the “View” button, if necessary, to the left of a listing you want.  This will display the complete record for the book.

  • Scroll to the bottom of the record to get the call number, the location (Stacks, Reference, or Reserves), and the availability information for the book. 

  • If the book is checked out, a due date will show instead of a location. 

  • If the book is not checked out, write down the entire call number.

Finding a Book in the SMC (Main) Library

  • Go to the appropriate Library location for the book, after checking the catalog record for its location and availability.

  • If the book is in the Stacks or Reference bookshelf areas, you can go directly to library shelves to find it. 

  • Find the appropriate area corresponding to the first letter of the call number you want, then locate the book by reading the call numbers on the spines of the books.  

  • Reserve materials are kept in a closed area where only Library staff can enter. You must write down and give the call number of the item you want, along proof of current enrollment, to the assistant at the circulation desk who will locate the book for you.

Checking Materials out of the Library

  • You may check out books from the Stacks for two weeks. You must present proof of current enrollment, such as your student ID card. You may also subsequently renew the book for another two weeks if no hold is placed on it.

  • Reference books are not checked out of the Library.

  • Reserve materials are only checked out for two hours in-Library use.

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