Q. How can I search and see if the library owns a specific item?

To see if Butler Libraries owns an item, you will search in WorldCat Discovery. This is the search box featured on the library website.

As you look through your results, you should see a field that says "Held By" with each result. As long as Butler University Libraries is listed here, you should have access to the item (either in print or in electronic format). If you see PALNI or WorldCat Libraries in this field instead, you will have to request the item via PALShare or Interlibrary Loan.

If it's held by Butler University Libraries, you should be able to click on the View online button to access content. If it's a print item, the library/collection and call number should display on the results page, or you can click on the item to get more information. Carefully examine the location statement just in front of the call number in the WorldCat Discovery record to see where the item can be found. The "Map It" function in Worldcat at https://www.butler.edu/library provides a helpful visual. The StackMap system generates a link to a floor map coded with the shelf where the item should be located.

If your search doesn't yield an immediate result, here are some ways to improve your search:

• LIMIT TO BUTLER UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES. This option is available within the Advanced Search or as a Library limiter at the top of the left column. You can even limit to just Irwin, Science, or Special Collections.
• LIMIT BY FORMAT. If you're getting back a lot of book reviews or articles, you may find it helpful to specify type of material. This option is available in the Advanced Search, or on the results page in the left column under Format.
• REFINE YOUR SEARCH KEYWORDS. Double check that you are entering the search terms correctly with no misspellings or missed words. Try putting any any exact phrases in quotation marks, or adding the author's last name with the title.

To search for items in a call number range, Go into WorldCAT advanced search.... https://butler.on.worldcat.org/advancedsearch.  Type in a call number such as: nu: D111, in Butler's WorldCAT Discovery.   It only brought up one record; however, you could then select the "Browse the Shelf" option to see titles shelved (or, more like in call number order - the titles may be shelved in different locations). So, that is a way to browse by call number on WorldCAT Discovery. Many times, catalogs don't have this feature displayed prominently because students don't search that way (because they unaware of LC classification).

Still not sure? Ask the Information Commons students. You can chat with them live whenever Irwin Library or the Science Library are open, or reach out via email/phone/in person.  Your subject liaison librarian is also happy to assist.