Subject vs. Keyword Searching & Library Catalog

Subject vs. Keyword SearchingSubject vs. Keyword Searching& Library Catalog& Library Catalog

Library 150Week 4

Keyword SearchingKeyword Searching

• Finds any item that contains your word(s), regardless of placement

• Good place to start a search to maximize number of results

• Lots of items found that are not relevant

• Automatic search method in the Library catalog and most article databases

Subject SearchingSubject Searching

• Must search for exact phrase used by book catalog or article database– "capital punishment" = death penalty

• Good method to narrow search– May be further divided by place, time etc.

• example: United States--History--20th century

• Optional search in the Library catalog and most article databases– subject headings = descriptors

• Use "big red books" to find proper Library of Congress subject heading

Keyword and Controlled Keyword and Controlled Vocabulary In-Class ExerciseVocabulary In-Class Exercise

• We'll do this together as a class– http://www.calstatela.edu/library/libr150/in

class/week4inclass.ppt

The Library Online Catalog (OPAC)The Library Online Catalog (OPAC)

• Allows searching for almost everything the Library owns:– Books– Titles of print and online journals, magazines, newspapers

(i.e., periodicals)– Government documents

• Searchable by: Field Example

– keyword psycholog* and freud – LC Heading United States -- History -- Civil War,1861-1865

– author hemingway, ernest– title the elements of style

• One can find out if item is available and where to find it in the Library or online

Catalog Opening ScreenCatalog Opening ScreenTabs for

search types

Choose search method

Search term(s)

Search LA or all CSUsRenew or check

Catalog Results ScreenCatalog Results ScreenClick for

Call Numbers

Total number of entries

Click titles forfull record Return to

Search screens

Full Catalog record for a bookFull Catalog record for a bookFull Catalog record for a bookFull Catalog record for a book

Book checkedout, reserves,reference, etc.

Call Number

Wing & floor

Title Author

Publisher InfoPlace: Publisher,

Date

Library Database Record:Library Database Record:Citation ElementsCitation Elements

Advanced Keyword SearchAdvanced Keyword SearchSearch

statementsField

limitersBoolean

logic

Other Limiters

Other Library CatalogsOther Library Catalogs

• WorldCat– Massive database (38+ million items) accesses library

catalogs around N. America– Great for verifying bibliographic info– http://www.calstatela.edu/library/dbs/~w3.htm

• Melvyl– Simultaneous search of all UC campuses– http://www.calstatela.edu/library/dbs/~m3.htm

• Area Libraries– Access to local University and public library catalogs– www.calstatela.edu/library/locallibraries.htm

Classification SystemsClassification Systems

• How is the material organized?– By subject primarily

• Library uses five call number systems– Library of Congress - books/periodical titles– Dewey Decimal - childrens books– SuDocs - government documents– ANSCR - sound recordings– CSULA Thesis call numbers

Library of Congress & Call Library of Congress & Call NumbersNumbers

• Items on the same subject together– http://www.calstatela.edu/library/guides/LC

class.htm

• Call numbers’ letters and numbers provide subject and location– Reading call numbers:

http://www.calstatela.edu/library/guides/callnumbers.htm