Lesson

Using the Library Catalog (Developed by Ann Holton and Suzanne Bork)

Part 2 - Title Search

Demonstrates skill in using electronic catalog

Information Literacy Model Objectives

Locates the sources

Constructs and execute effective search strategies

Identifies and use various strategies or techniques when executing searches

Searches library catalog

Uses print and electronic resources including reference sources, periodical indexing, abstracting and/or full-text sources, and the Internet

Anticipatory Set

The library catalog will help you find all of the materials located here in the library media center. If you want to find a book by your favorite author, you can look up his or her name in the library catalog. If you are doing research for a classroom assignment, you will want to use the library catalog to find books and other resources. If you are interested in trains, you can check the catalog for that keyword. All of the computers in the library, lab and classrooms have the library catalog on them.

Objectives

	The learner will use the author, title, key word and visual search features of the library catalog to locate materials and learn the concepts of “search,” “sort” and “select.” Modeling examples should be selected from the library media center collection to fit the skill addressed in the lessons and integrate with a curricular unit.
	The learner will select a reading book appropriate to his/her reading ability.

Note: Objectives are the same for each of the lessons for using the catalog. These lessons are based upon the Sagebrush Spectrum Suite Library Software, but may be easily modified for other library catalog systems.

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Input and Modeling

The library media specialist should model each type of search using the library catalog connected to a large-screen display. Use books or other materials from the collection and have them available as the lesson is being taught so that students can see the connection to actual items in the library collection.

PART II: TITLE SEARCH

Search: On "Library Search" screen

Click one time on the Title radial button.
Choose one of the following strategies.

Browsing Strategy

Complete Title Search Strategy

	Type first four letters of the title.
	Click on Browse.
	Select a title from list.
	Click on Return Item.
	Click on Search.

	Type complete title (see notes below).
	Click on Search.

Notes:
• Correct spelling is essential; capitalization is not important.
•"A," "An," and "The" as first words are automatically ignored. The search will list these titles by the second word.
• Numbers and abbreviated words need to be spelled exactly as they are listed in the title.

Sort: Since the patron is looking for an exact match, the sort process is not useful.

Select: the "Materials Found" window

If the item is part of the collection, the title will be highlighted.
• Double click title for more information.
• Read the “summary” to find out what the book is about
• Write down call number and title on a call slip to locate material on the shelf.
If the item is not a part of the collection or if the title has been misspelled, an alert box will appear stating, "No materials were found. Try using the browse window to find what you are looking for." Use the steps under "Browsing Strategy."

Note: Should the exact title not be in the collection, the most efficient plan would be to begin a keyword search.

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Check for Understanding

Give each student or pair of students a book and ask them to do a title search for that book. Watch closely and assist as needed.

Guided Practice

Have students use the Library Catalog Practice Activity to review each type of search and other concepts presented in the lessons. Placing the Library Catalog Guide near computers will help remind students of the steps in searching.

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This page was last updated on May 23, 2008.