How
to Find Books and Other Materials in the UT Libraries:
Quick Answers to Common Questions
Beginning Points
Where Do I Start?
To find books and other materials owned by the University Libraries, go to the
Libraries' homepage and select the UT
Libraries Catalog.
What will I find when I search the catalog?
The catalog provides the call number and location(s) for books, periodicals,
videos, music scores, maps, and other types of materials held in the UT libraries.
The items will be in one of these locations:
Periodicals listed in the ProQuest and Dow Jones full text databases and the periodical holdings for UT Medical Center's Preston Library are also included. Our catalog does not include materials in UT's Law Library.
Where can I look for ideas for research paper or speech
topics?
Encyclopedia yearbooks cover events and current topics of that year.
You can also get ideas from encyclopedias that focus on a specific subject.
Books such as the Opposing Viewpoints series offer perspectives on current
and controversial issues. Reference librarians can help you locate appropriate
titles.
What do I need to do to search the catalog from home?
You need an Internet account with an Internet Service Provider (e.g.
Bellsouth, US Internet or UT), a browser like Netscape, Internet Explorer or
Opera, and a modem with a connection speed of 33.6 or higher. A slower speed
will not maintain a stable connection. If you already have these, visit the
UT Libraries Homepage and go to the UT
Libraries Catalog.
Searching
What's the difference between Keyword and Browse searching?
A Keyword Search finds the words you enter anywhere they appear in whatever
type of search you choose. Examples of this would be Comprehensive Keyword,
Author, or Title. Comprehensive Keyword searches
the entire record. A Browse search produces an alphabetical list beginning
with the first words you enter in whatever type of search (Author, Title,
Periodical Title, Subject Heading) you choose.
How can I search for the various forms of a root word?
Use the truncation symbol * to retrieve a root word and its various endings
(e.g., symbol* will find symbol, symbols, symbolic, symbolism, etc.)
How can I find out if UT owns a particular periodical?
You may use one of three methods:
If you don't find the periodical with your first search, you might try again with another type of search to be sure whether or not we own it. You might also want to ask a Reference Librarian to help you search.
How can I make my search more precise?
Begin with the most specific words that define your topic (e.g. basketball);
then try broader terms if necessary (e.g. athletics). Experiment with different
types of searches and different ways of expressing the concept you have in mind.
When you find a book or other item that seems to be what you are looking for,
try looking at one or more of the subject headings listed for that item. Click
on the subject heading to go directly to a list of other items with the same
subject heading.
How can I go back to a previous search I've done?
The History button allows you to repeat any search you have done
since you opened the catalog. All searches will disappear each time you close
the catalog.
How can I find out if an item I need is on Reserve?
For information about accessing Reserve items, visit the Libraries' homepage
and select E-Reserve.
What if UT doesn't own the book I need?
UT students, faculty, and staff may request books we do not own through
Interlibrary Services. The process may take from one to three weeks.
For quickest delivery, try the Kudzu
catalog.
Interpreting the Results
What information in the record will help me locate the
item in the UT Libraries?
From the catalog record, you'll need:
How can I find more detailed information about a book
or other item?
In the catalog, the brief record for an item is displayed first.
To see the complete record, click on the title. In the complete record,
you will find additional information such as:
What if I am not sure how to interpret a Catalog record?
A Reference librarian can answer questions or help with your search.
For more information, please see this Link to AskUsNow.
Getting a Copy of and Locating Search Results
How can I get a copy of a record from the catalog?
Many times, you may find it quicker to simply write down the call number,
and perhaps the location, with enough of the title to help you know you've located
the right item.When you do want a printout of the items you've found, you may
save records and print them. In the Hodges Library Reference room, look for
the number of the printer attached to the computer you're using.
Can I select just some of the records for printing?
Reviewing the results of your search offers a good opportunity for beginning
to make selections. Look for books or other items most closely related
to the aspect of the topic you wish to explore. You may save and print
selected records or you may select all the records for printing. Print the records
from each search before you go on to another search.
How do I locate the book or other item?
The Holdings information shows where the item is located, provides the
call number, and indicates whether the item is checked in or checked out.
Notice both the library and the location within the library. In Hodges Library,
use a bookmark, available at the Reference desk, to find out on what floor your
call number is located. This information is also posted on and across
from each elevator. Maps of each floor will help you find the specific call
number. Using the maps can save time and steps and can lessen frustration.
Can I have books delivered?
UT faculty and graduate students may have books delivered to a campus
departmental mailbox through
Library Express.
Where can I make copies of pages?
Duplication is on the first floor of Hodges Library. Photocopiers
are also available in Periodicals, Reserve, and Reference and on each floor
near the elevators. Branch libraries also make copiers available.
What is the cost of copies?
With a Copy Card, copies are six cents. Using straight cash, copies
are ten cents.
Where can I get a Copy Card?
In Hodges Library, Copy Card vending machines are in Duplication, Reserve,
Periodicals, and near the Circulation desk on the second floor. You may also
get a Copy Card at branch libraries.
Can I copy from microfilm?
You can make copies from microfilm using your Copy Card. For assistance,
ask at the desk in the appropriate location.
Checking Out Materials
Who can check out library materials?
UT students, faculty, and staff and people who have purchased a subscriber's
card may check out library materials.
What do I need to be able to check out library materials?
To borrow books, you'll need a UT ID card, TBR card or Subscriber Card
valid for the current semester.
How long can I keep the books that I borrow?
In general, the loan period for books is:
The Circulation Department homepage gives more details. You may also request a Hold or a Recall for a book that is checked out.
Do all library materials circulate?
Not all library materials may be checked out. For instance:
Where do I check out and return materials?
Take the item to the appropriate Circulation
desk. At or near each desk, you'll see a place to return items. In Hodges
Library, the main Circulation desk is on the second floor and another is on
the ground floor.
Where can I find more details about checking out materials?
More information about checking out materials can be found at the Circulation
Department web page.
For questions about specific research assignments, ask questions in class or talk with or e-mail your instructor. For further help, consult with a Reference Librarian in person, through e-mail, or chat by using the AskUsNow link.
For in-depth assistance, you may wish to consult with a Subject Librarian.
Address questions and comments to:
Marie Garrett - Instructional Services Coordinator
Hodges Library-Reference Services
E-Mail: mgarrett@utk.edu
Page created and maintained by
James Kidder
Communications and Media Specialist
E-mail: kidder@aztec.lib.utk.edu