GBC Library Catalogue: Search Tips

The Library Catalogue contains records of all the items in the GBC libraries (including books, e-books, DVDs and more!).

These search tips will help introduce you to the skills required to conduct effective searches using keywords, authors or titles.

We also have a guide to understanding LC Call Numbers which will connects the search you do in the library catalogue to the location of the book in the library.

If you have any questions, please ask a librarian.

Search by KEYWORD

When using the Library Catalogue, you want to keep your searches basic. Identify the key concepts within your topic. Try using a simple phrase or one or two keywords. For example:

Key concepts: global warming, pollution

Think of related concepts or alternate words you could use to discuss your topic. Use these concepts to develop effective keyword searching skills:

Use the words “AND” or “OR” to combine search words and conduct effective searches.

To narrow your search, use AND to connect two different concepts:

    SEARCH 1: global warming AND pollution

AND finds items related to both search terms.

Use your related concepts to help build a range of search strategies.

If a search using global warming AND pollution finds few or no results, try using:

    SEARCH 2: climate change AND pollution

If you want more general results, try using more basic keywords:

    SEARCH 3: environment AND pollution

To broaden your search, use OR to look for similar terms. OR finds results that contain either term:

    SEARCH 4: global warming OR climate change

Search by AUTHOR

You can search the Library Catalogue by AUTHOR. Change the drop down menu from KEYWORD to AUTHOR. Type the author's last name, then first name if needed. For example:

• Webb
• Webb, Margaret
• Morimoto
• Morimoto, Masaharu

 Keep in mind that an author can be a Corporate institution.  For example:

• Canadian Standards Association

Search by TITLE

You can search the Library Catalogue by book title. Change the drop down menu from KEYWORD to TITLE. Type as much or as little of the title as you want starting with the first words, but ignoring initial articles like a, an and the. For example:

• Mosby’s
• Mosby’s Comprehensive
• Mosby’s Comprehensive Review of Practical

Search by JOURNAL TITLE

You can search the Library Catalogue by journal title. Change the drop down menu from KEYWORD to JOURNAL TITLE. Type as much or as little of the title as you want. For example:

• Maclean's
• maclean
• mac

The catalogue only includes printed journals, magazines and newspapers that can be found on the Library's Main Floor, it does not display the catalogue record for online/electronic journals.

If you would like to search for journals or articles online, please search the Library Databases or search our Journals by Title A-Z .