Lilly Library at Wabash College: Tips for Searching: Search Tips

Finding items Frequently Asked Questions

Finding Physical Materials

Search for materials in th library catalog. For your chosen item, note the availability, location, and call number.

Catalog Location and Call Number

The Library of Congress (LC) Classification System uses call numbers to uniquely identify materials in our collection. Call numbers allow you to locate specific materials in stacks and browse related materials by subject.

Anatomy of a Call Number: Call numbers include a set of letters and numbers, and represent the broad subject, specific subject, identifying information like authors or geographic location, volume or edition number (if applicable), and publication date.

Call Number

Once you have identified the collection and call number, check the the library map to find which floor the book is located. The General Collections NA section, for example, is located on the second floor on the NW side of the building.

Library Map

Finding eBooks in the Library Catalog

You should always start your search in the library catalog because it contains all our eBooks, regardless of platform or vendor.

Find eBooks in the Library Catalog

1) Make sure the BOOKS tab is selected, and input your search terms. Then select SEARCH.

2) Under your refinement list, select the EBOOK format option.

3) Click the Access Online button, and then choose a View eBook button option. Multiple links are listed if the eBook is housed in multiple eBook collections.

If the book is only available from one provider, you will see a red "view eBook" button below the cover instead of "Access Online" and will be taken directly to the eBook.