How to find resources by format

Search the Libraries by format.

Why look for books?

Books offer broader and more in-depth coverage of a topic. You can learn more about the relationship between different concepts and topics, get materials recommended by scholars or faculty members in the subject, and find historical perspectives. 

It can take over a year for many academic books to be published. Try using articles to find information on a very current topic.

Research tip: check the Table of Contents and/or index for the concepts and keywords you are researching on, to get a stronger sense of what's in the book! 

Getting started

  1. Go to the Libraries homepage.
  2. Enter your search terms into the large search box. Use quotation marks to search for phrases, e.g. "energy drinks." 
  3. Use filters to limit your results by publication date, material type, and/or subject.
  4. Select the link for the title to see more information.
  5. For books, if you want to go to an open library and pick it up, write down the library and call number (e.g. PR6068.O93 Z73 2009) and go get it. Or "Sign in" in the upper right and use the "Get It" button to request to pick it up at a convenient library (learn more about Get It) or to get it sent to your home or residence hall. We can also scan parts of physical books and send them via email. Use our request form for our digital delivery service. 
  6. For e-books, select the link under View It

Finding books and e-books (when you know the title)

  1. Go to the Libraries homepage.
  2. Enter the title into the large search box. Use quotation marks, e.g. "So long been dreaming." 

If the University does not provide access to the journal, magazine or newspaper you need, request it from Interlibrary Loan.

Finding books and e-books (when the U does not own the book)

If you find a book that the libraries do not own, you can request a copy or an individual chapter through Interlibrary Loan.

You can also use specialized search tools such as:

  • WorldCat searches books from libraries all over world
  • Google Books searches the full text of millions books
  • HathiTrust Digital Library offers a collection of millions of full text titles digitized from libraries around the world
Last Updated: Feb 22, 2024 10:40 AM