This chart can either help you select the search tool that best fits your information need, or to remind you of what to content you can expect to find when you start searching in the tool of your choice.
Book Search Tools Comparison Chart
| Format | Access | |
|---|---|---|
| InfoHawk+ | Print and online | Find on shelf using call no. Check out using HawkID |
| WorldCat | Print only | Request using Interlibrary Loan |
| Google Books | Online | Use a web browser Access may be limited to Preview or index information only |
| Bloomsbury Pop Music | Online | Through the Library's website |
| eBrary | Online | Through the Library's website, though all eBrary titles are findable using InfoHawk+ |
1.) If you are researching a person, use the Advanced Search and use the Subject Search option. This will return items ABOUT the person instead of items BY that person.
2.) If the book is available in print, write the call no. down and use it to retrieve the book from the shelf. Be sure to take a look around the shelf on either side to see if there are additional books on your topic in the same area. All books are shelved by topic, so often additional relevant resources will be shelved with the book you plan to retrieve.
3.) The Library licenses many e-books, but each has different rules for use. Some books can only be used by one person at a time, some can be downloaded cover to cover, other only chapters.
4.) Look beyond the title of a book to determine its relevancy. Quite often, popular music artists or bands may not be the primary focus of a book, but the book might contain a chapter or other substantive section on your topic.