First Step: Look in the OPAC / Library Catalog
A catalog is a list or file of descriptions of items with enough information to provide access to the items. For example: an auction catalog provides descriptions of items offered for sale at an auction; an exhibition catalog includes descriptions and usually images of the works in a particular exhibition. A library catalog gives descriptions and locations of the items held by the library. Most libraries now have computerized catalogs, called OPACs (or Online Public Access Catalogs).

Searching
You have a choice of using the "Basic Search" or the "Advanced Search." Start with Basic. You will be able to search by general keyword, author, title, or subject. Use the online help. Practice. The more you think about what you're doing, the better searcher you'll become.

Find the Call Number
The call number is one of the important pieces of information contained in the catalog. It guides the user to the location of items. The call number is a combination of letters and numerals used to identify and locate an item on the shelf. A call number consists of the classification number followed by a letter/number combination (Cutter number) derived from the author's last name or the first word in the title, and may include a date. Library catalogs used to be kept on cards in drawers and were called card catalogs. Presently most library catalogs are computerized and called "online public access catalogs" or OPACs.

Get Hints from the Subject Field
If you click on the icon called "card" at the bottom of the page displaying the book information, you'll get a layout of the exact information that used to be available on a card in an old-fashioned card catalog. By looking in the subject field, you'll see how the item has been classified by librarians. Each subject is a link and by clicking it, you will pull up all other items in the catalog with that same subject. It's a good way to clarify your topic and refine your search.

E-books
Within the Otis catalog, there are also records for e-books. Access to these books is provided through a subscription to Ebrary. Links to online e-books in the Ebrary database are provided in the OPAC. E-books can be accessed on a 24/7 basis and there are many interesting features of this service. For information on how to use Ebrary, click here.