Understanding Research

Finding Books

ODU Library Catalog info

OhioLINK Library Catalog info

Finding Articles

Why is the Library Catalog Record so Important?

An item's record in the catalog can help you determine if you would like to use the item.
Library catalog records often include:

• A list of the contents of a book
• A list of the major subjects covered within a book or other item

By reading the Contents and the Subjects, you can learn more about an item and decide whether it is exactly what you need.

An item's record in the catalog can help you find an item.
The library catalog record includes 3 important pieces of information that will help you find the item in the ODU library:

• The location within the library
• The item's call number
• The status of the item

Click here to see an example of a catalog record

The location of an item will tell you where exactly in the library the item is. The call number of an item will help you locate the item on the shelf. The status of an item will tell you if it is available for borrowing, if it is checked out to another person, or if it is missing.

To review ODU Library Catalog tips, consult the library's help guide How to Search the ODU Library Catalog, available via the library's Research Help page.

For information on how to check out and renew items, go to the library home page and click on Circulation Services.

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