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Ask a librarian : How to search and find books

How to search books using library catalogue

Searching and finding books in the Central University of Technology (CUT) Library catalog is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you:


1. Access the Library Catalog

  • Online: Visit the CUT Library website and click on the catalog or "Search Library" option.
  • In-person: Use library computers with catalog access available on-site.

2. Search for a Book

  • Use the search bar to enter the book’s details. You can search by:
    • Title (e.g., Engineering Mathematics).
    • Author (e.g., James Smith).
    • ISBN (unique book identifier, often found in your syllabus or course materials).
    • Keywords (e.g., mechanical engineering, project management).

3. Use Filters

  • Narrow down results using filters such as:
    • Format (print, eBook, etc.).
    • Year of publication.

4. Check the Book’s Details

  • Once you find the book, note these details:
    • Call Number: This is the book’s location on the shelf (e.g., 620.001 SMIT).
    • Location: Indicates the section of the library where the book is housed (e.g., Main Collection, Reserve, Short Loans).
    • Availability: Shows if the book is available for borrowing or currently checked out.

5. Locate the Book

  • Go to the specific section in the library (e.g., general collection, short-loan area).
  • Use the call number to find the book on the shelves. Books are usually arranged numerically and alphabetically.

6. Borrow the Book

  • Take the book to the circulation desk with your student/staff card to borrow it.
  • Check the borrowing period and return date.

7. Ask for Assistance

  • If you can’t find the book, ask a librarian for help. They can assist with:
    • Searching the catalog.
    • Locating the book on the shelves.