Library Briefings

Secrets of NUcat

We'll fill your head with all kinds of information

In this issue of Library Briefings we introduce a new column that provides tips and tricks to help you search NUcat, the Library's online catalog. Our goal is to give you the information you need to customize and improve your search results. Here's our first tip ...

Secret #1 - Searching is more effective when limits are applied.

From the main search page in NUcat, using the drop-down menu titled "Search in," you can very quickly limit your search by title, journal title, author, subject heading, keyword, keyword phrase, or call number. In addition, you can further define your search by using the drag-down menu titled "Limit to (optional)" on the right side of the page. This feature allows you to search for electronic resources, serials, video recordings, sound recordings or scores. The idea is to provide you with options so that you can customize your search for better results.

To take your search one step further, click on the purple button for "Choose More Limits" to the right of the "Search" button. You will be able to limit by type (books, serials), medium (motion picture, videorecording), language, Library location (Africana, Art Collection), or place of publication. With this option you can select more than one limit at a time. Hold down the CTRL key to select each additional search limit. Click the grey "Set Limits" button before submitting your search.

To find out more about limiting a search in NUcat, go to http://nucat.library.northwestern.edu/help/limits.htm