The Hays Library is a comprehensive resource for students, faculty, and staff, offering a vast collection of books, journals, and digital materials. With its user-friendly online catalog and well-organized physical space, navigating the library's resources has never been easier. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of finding books and other materials, as well as provide tips and tricks for making the most of your library experience.
Searching the Online Catalog
The Hays Library’s online catalog is a powerful tool for locating books, journals, and other materials. To access the catalog, simply visit the library’s website and click on the “Catalog” tab. From there, you can search for materials by keyword, title, author, or subject. The catalog also allows you to filter your search results by format, language, and publication date, making it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re looking for books on art history, you can use the subject filter to narrow down your search results to only include books on that topic.
Using Subject Headings
One of the most effective ways to search the catalog is by using subject headings. Subject headings are standardized terms used to describe the content of a book or other material, and they can be used to search for materials on a specific topic. To use subject headings, simply type the heading into the search bar, surrounded by quotation marks. For example, if you’re looking for books on renaissance art, you can search for “Renaissance Art” as a subject heading. This will return a list of books and other materials that have been cataloged under that heading.
Using Advanced Search Features
In addition to searching by keyword and subject heading, the catalog also offers a number of advanced search features. These include the ability to search for materials by author, title, and ISBN, as well as the ability to filter your search results by format, language, and publication date. You can also use the “Limit To” feature to narrow down your search results to only include materials that are available in a specific format, such as ebooks or audiobooks.
| Search Type | Example Search |
|---|---|
| Keyword Search | "art history" AND "20th century" |
| Subject Heading Search | "Renaissance Art" |
| Author Search | "Leonardo da Vinci" |
Browsing the Shelves
In addition to searching the online catalog, you can also browse the shelves to find materials. The Hays Library uses the Library of Congress Classification system to organize its materials, which means that books and other materials are arranged on the shelves by subject. This can be a great way to discover new materials and explore topics in depth. For example, if you’re interested in psychology, you can browse the shelves in the BF section to find books and other materials on that topic.
Using the Library’s Floor Map
To help you navigate the library’s physical space, we have created a floor map that shows the location of different collections and resources. The floor map can be found on the library’s website, or you can pick up a print copy at the circulation desk. The floor map includes information on the location of study rooms, computers, and printers, as well as the location of different collections, such as fiction and nonfiction.
Asking for Help
If you’re having trouble finding materials or navigating the library’s physical space, don’t hesitate to ask for help. The library’s staff are always happy to assist you, and they can provide you with personalized recommendations and guidance. You can also contact the library’s reference desk by phone or email, or use the library’s chat service to get help in real-time.
How do I search for books in the Hays Library’s online catalog?
+To search for books in the Hays Library’s online catalog, simply visit the library’s website and click on the “Catalog” tab. From there, you can search for books by keyword, title, author, or subject. You can also use the advanced search features to filter your search results by format, language, and publication date.
How do I browse the shelves in the Hays Library?
+The Hays Library uses the Library of Congress Classification system to organize its materials, which means that books and other materials are arranged on the shelves by subject. You can browse the shelves to find materials on a specific topic, or use the library’s floor map to locate different collections and resources.
How do I get help with finding materials or navigating the library’s physical space?
+If you’re having trouble finding materials or navigating the library’s physical space, don’t hesitate to ask for help. The library’s staff are always happy to assist you, and they can provide you with personalized recommendations and guidance. You can also contact the library’s reference desk by phone or email, or use the library’s chat service to get help in real-time.
