Cunningham Memorial Library: Freshman Writing: Library Research: Online Catalog

Online Catalog: What Else Do I Need to Know?

Library of Congress Classification
Most university libraries use Library of Congress [LC] to classify their materials. Some still use Dewey. Others, like the Indiana State University Library, have 3 classification systems: LC for most materials, Dewey for our Children's collection, and SuDocs for our Government Documents collections.
Library of Congress Subject Headings [LCSH]
Often, these days, a keyword or keyword/Boolean phrase search is what people use to find library materials. But underneath it all is an extensive system of standardized language, LCSH, a hierarchical approach to locating materials. Sometimes, especially when a keyword search yields little or disliked results, consulting the LCSH volumes or a librarian can yield materials.
Keyword/Boolean Searching
When libraries moved to online catalogs, suddenly there was a new way to search: keyword or phrase, and the more elaborate Boolean search. Boolean searching underlies online catalogs, article databases, electronic reference sources, and just plain Internet Search Engines. Understanding the basic principles of k/B can aid you in future searches.

Handbook Chapter: Online Catalog

Chapter 5 of the Handbook for College Research is entitled, Learning to Use Online Catalogs and Periodical Databases.

For more information on using our online catalog, visit the ISU Library Basics LibGuide and look at the Catalog tab and the sub-tabs on catalog searching, search strategies, call numbers, etc.

Using an Online Catalog

Our current online catalog is known as Fusion and Fusionplus. Fusion also has an Advanced Search option. All three search the Library holdings. Fusion is a single-search box; its Advanced Search has some additional features. FusionPlus offers some features more familiar to long-time users of online catalogs and includes an easy way to do call number searching.