library resources
Whitehouse Library Catalogue
The library web catalogue is a tool that you can use in order to find everything that the library has on its shelves or holds electronically. The catalogue will also help you to find where these items are located in the library. The catalogue is available via the following link: Library Catalogue; Or else you can access the catalogue on the computers in the library.
Search Tips
The library catalogue allows you to perform two different 'basic' searches:
1. KEYWORD SEARCH - searches through the catalogue for the particular words.
Use a keyword search if you know definite details and correct spelling eg. an author's name, the title of a book or magazine, the full call no, the exact subject etc.
This search will return a results list.
2. BROWSE SEARCH - searches through the catalogue alphabetically from a particular word, much like you would browse through a book store.
Use this search if you are unsure of definite details eg. correct spelling, the full title of a book or magazine, correct subject terms etc.
The search returns a list that you can browse through arranged in alphabetical order. It does not take you straight to the results list like a keyword search does. This is because browse search is used for finding information you are unsure about so the catalogue provides you with a list to browse through.
Clicking on one of the options will return a results list.
In the drop down box choose "...keywords" for a keyword search or "...begins with..." for a browse search.
Searching requires you to perform 3 steps:
- type a word into the box next to "Search for"
- select the option (or field) you wish to search in (keyword or browse)
- press "Go" to start your search
The different options in the right hand box that you can select and search in are described below:
Keywords
If you want to search generally for a word or phrase, select this option. But beware, this option will search in every field and can be a very inefficient way to find what you're looking for.
Title Keywords/Title Begins With...
If you know the title, or a few words from the title, select these options. You can enter from one to all of the words of the title.
Author Keywords/Author Surname Begins With...
If you know the author's name, select these option. Use the author's surname. Also using the author's first name for keyword or first initial for browse with narrow the search.
Subejct Keyword/Subject Begins With...
If you know the exact subject keywords, use keyword search. This is the best field to search in to find the most relevant results on your topic. If you don't know the exact subject words, do a browse search.
Series Begins With...
If you know the title of a series of books, select this option.
Call Number Keyword/Call Number Begins With...
If you know the item's call no, select this option. The call no is located on the spine of the item and is used to find the item's location in the library. The library uses the Dewey Decimal System.
ISBN
If you know the book's ISBN, select this option. ISBN stands for International Standard Book Number and is a 10 digit number unique to each edition of a book or book like product. It can usually be found on the inside cover or back cover of a book.
ISSN
If you know the ISSN of a periodical publication, select this option. ISSN stands for International Standard Serial Number and is an 8 digit number which identifies periodical publications or serials such as magazines, journals etc.
URL Keywords/URL Begins With...
If you know the URL of the website you are looking for, select this option. For browse search remember to start with http://www.
Barcode Number
If you know the barcode of the item, select this option. The barcode is a 14 digit number placed on the top left hand corner of the item by library staff.
Music Publisher Name, Sub-Library Options and System Number Options
are not currently used by the John Henry Library.
Course Research Guides
Below are links to course research guides for each area of study undertaken by the Whitehouse Institute of Design. Each guide includes relevant search terms for using the catalogue which can help you to find what you are looking for faster. The course research guides also have lists of relevant online websites to help you find information on the Internet. Click on your course heading to access the course research guide:
FASHION
INTERIORS
STYLING
DESIGN TEACHING
The John Henry Library acknowledges the use of the following texts in the preparation of these guides:
Fashion Institute of Technology Gladys Markus Library (2004) “Fashion on the Web” Gladys Markus Library Internet Guide [Online]:
Available at http://www3.fitnyc.edu/library/research_guides/internetguide/int_fashion.htm#current [last updated 24/07/2004 accessed 11/10/2004]
Fashion Institute of Technology Gladys Markus Library (2004) “Architectural Research on the Internet” Gladys Markus Library Internet Guide [Online]:
Available at http://www3.fitnyc.edu/library/research_guides/internetguide/int_architecture.htm [last updated 23/09/2004 accessed 12/10/2004]
University of Technology, Sydney Library (2004) “Interior Design” Subject Guides [Online]:
Available at http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/information/subject_guides/design/interior_design.html [last updated 16/06/2004 accessed 11/10/2004]
University of Technology, Sydney Library (2004) “Fashion and Textiles” Subject Guides [Online]:
Available at http://www.lib.uts.edu.au/information/subject_guides/design/fashion_and_textiles.html [last updated 16/08/2004 accessed 11/10/2004]
University of Sydney Library (2002) Searching the Internet [Online]:
Available at http://www.library.usyd.edu.au/skills/isearch.html [last updated 23/08/2002 accessed 10/08/2004]