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AUM Library Online Catalog
Basic Search Features

This guide provides an overview of basic search features available from the AUM Library Online Catalog.

For further information and assistance regarding how to search the catalog, please contact the Reference Department on the 2nd Floor of the AUM Library or by phone at (334) 244-3649.

For information regarding your patron information record, please contact the Circulation Department on the 1st Floor of the AUM Library or by phone at (334) 244-3647.
What is the
Catalog? 		Accessing
the Catalog 		Using Simple
Search 		Search Types Using Builder Search Limiting a Search Download Options Accessing Your
Patron
Information
Record


What is the Online Catalog?


 The online catalog is a computerized finding tool that lists materials the AUM Library owns and their location. These include books that can be borrowed, reference books, electronic books, government documents, journals, magazines, newspapers, and videos.

Accessing the Online Catalog


The AUM Library Catalog is accessible through the Internet by clicking on 'AUM Library Catalog' @ http://aumnicat.aum.edu.

Using the Simple Search in the Online Catalog

Enter words in the Search for box to do a keyword search. The catalog will search for the words in various places.

To make your search more specific, select one of the following from the Search by menu.

  • Title
  • Journal Title
  • Author
  • Subject
  • Call Number

You can narrow your search by selecting one of the following from the Limit to drop down menu:

  • Last 2 Years
  • Last 5 Years
  • Books
  • Journals
  • Videorecording
  • Government Documents

[Top]

Search Types:

    Keyword
    • This type of search is a good starting point for finding information on your topic.
    • Enter words in the Search for box to search for them in various places.
    • Enter short phrases in quotes, for example "american revolution".
    • The most relevant items will appear at the top of the list.

    Title

    • Enter the title or the first few words of the title.
    • Omit the articles "a", "an", and "the" at the beginning of the title.

    Journal Title

    • Enter the title or the first few words of the title of a journal, magazine, or newspaper.
    • Omit the articles "a", "an", and "the" at the beginning of the title.

    Author

    • Enter the last name followed by the first name, ex. grisham john

    Subject

    • Enter the Library of Congress subject heading for your topic. Review the subject headings for books related to your topic or ask for help at the Reference Desk, 2nd Floor (334-244-3649).
    • To find information on a person, enter the last name followed by the first name.

    Call Number

    • A call number search allows you to browse the library shelves online.
    • Enter a call number, ex. LB14.7 .P87 2001 OR lb14.7 p87 2001

Using the Builder Search in the Online Catalog

The Builder Search allows you to combine words for a more sophisticated search.

  • Click on 'Builder Search' tab from the 'Simple Search' screen.
  • Enter words in one or more of the Search for boxes.
  • Select all of these, any of these, or as a phrase from the pull-down menus.
  • Select AND, OR, or NOT between the Search for boxes.
  • Search by Keyword Anywhere, Title, Author Name, Subject, Series, ISSN, ISBN, etc.

Limiting a Search:

Set limits before clicking on the search button.

  • To set limits, click on the Set More Limits button in the bottom right corner of the search screen.
  • To limit searches by Language, Location, Medium, Item Type, Place of Publication, or Publication Status, select from the drop down menus.
  • To limit searches by Date, enter the year and click the radio button for = (that year), < (before that year), or > (after that year). For a range of years type in the beginning and ending years and click on the radio button for range.
  • Click on the Set Limits button at the bottom of the screen.
  • A 'Search limits are in effect!' message will scroll across the top of the screen.
  • Limits remain in effect until you clear them by clicking the Clear Limits button in the bottom right corner of the search screen.

Download Options

Mark items from the list to print, save, or email them.

  • Begin by clicking in the box next to the titles.
  • Scroll to the bottom of the screen and make the appropriate selection under WHICH records.
  • To print or save items, click on the Print/Save button and print or save from the browser tool bar.
  • To email items, type in your email address and click on the Email button.

Accessing Your Patron Information Record

The AUM Library Online Catalog allows you to access your personal information, items checked out, requests (holds, recalls, and locates), fines, and fees. If you have overdue items or owe fines you will not be able to renew items online. Please call AUM Library Circulation @ (334) 244-3647 for further information and assistance.

To Access Your Patron Information Record and Due Dates:

  • Go to AUM Library's Homepage.
  • Click on AUM Library Catalog.
  • Next, click on the Patron button at the top of the screen.
  • Enter your patron barcode and last name.
  • Click on the Login button.
  • Be sure to click on the Log Out button when you finish viewing your library record.

To Renew Items Online:

  • In the Charged Items section, check the renew box next to each item you want to renew and then click Renew Items.
  • Check that all items renew and that none have been recalled.

Be sure to click on the Log Out button when you are finished viewing your record.

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Page address: http://aumnicat.aum.edu/instruction/general/basiccatalog.html

Updated: 12/14/2006