Skip to Main Content
UAFS logo

PLA 3003: Prior Learning Practices: Catalog

Library Catalog

The Library Catalog is used to locate items in the library's collection, including books, ebooks, streaming videos, DVDs, video games, and more. Records within the Catalog will tell you where to find items in the library (or where to access them if they are online). The Catalog can also point you to similar items should they exist.  

Written Tutorial

The Library Catalog can be accessed from the library's homepage: library.uafs.edu. To search the Catalog, click on Catalog under Quick Links.

Step One

Perform a keyword search to find materials on a particular topic. Limit your search to a few words, and try synonyms if your initial search isn't yielding the desired results.

On the results page, take note of the following information about each item:

  • Next to each record you will see an icon which tells you the material type.
  • The location tells you which section the book can be found in and gives you the book’s call number.
  • A call number is like an address; it tells you exactly where the book is located in its given area.
  • The status refers to an item’s availability. If an item you want is already checked out, it can be requested.

To learn more about an item, click on its title.

On an item's record page, take note of the following information:

  • At the top of the record you have the author, title, and publisher, all of which you will need to cite this book should you choose to use it in your research.
  • Below that you will find subjects related to the book. Clicking on a subject will give you a list of items that have been tagged with the same subject term. This can be a useful way to find more resources. 
  • Near the bottom of the record is a summary of the book. Reading the summary will help you determine whether this book is something you want to check out.  
  • If you are not sure whether you want this book but you’d like to come back to it later, you can get a persistent link to this title. A persistent, or stable, link connects you directly to this resource.

Video Tutorial