SJLibrary.org, a collaboration of San Jose State University and San Jose Public Library system.

The Library Catalog can be searched in several ways. The following options are found in a dropdown menu that says Keyword on the Search the Catalog page.

Select the TITLE option if you know the title
 
Use the AUTHOR option if you are looking for books by a particular author
    - Remember: last name, then first -- steinbeck john or armstrong louis
 
Try the SUBJECT option if you are searching for books on a particular topic
    - Remember: broad term first, then narrower -- history united states or cookery mexican
 
The KEYWORD search does just that: keyword search of Title, Author, Subject and Notes fields
    - If you simply enter search terms, the Library Catalog automatically inserts AND between them
    - To include a phrase in your search, simply use a Boolean operator -- united nations and war
 

The book record lets you know if you want the book and know its copy location and status.

The example below is Interactive with live links as a real book record is.

• Selecting the AUTHOR link lets you browse a list of linked titles by that author
• Selecting a LOCATION link opens up for King locations a floor map of that level and for branch locations a street map for that branch library
• Selecting a CALL number link returns a list of linked titles with nearby call numbers
• Selecting a SUBJECT link returns a list of linked subjects including the one selected (in bold)
  IMPORTANT: Selecting this bold link will bring up other titles on the same subject
   
  Go ahead and select a link. Use the browser back button to return here.

Regarding STATUS:
  "DUE 3-31-03BILLED" = the book is long overdue and likely lost
  "Check Shelves" = the book should be on the shelf at that exact call number location
  "In Transit" = the book is in transit back to its home location (i.e., Vineland)

When you find a book you like in the Library Catalog:

1. First check the LOCATION, CALL # and STATUS in the book record
    
2. Within the general LOCATION (i.e., building, and floor or collection), the CALL NUMBER (CALL #) gives the exact location of a copy on the shelf. Note the call number exactly as given.
    ~ For how to use call numbers to find a book, see Call Numbers
    
3. Before you look for a book, note its STATUS:
   - "CHECK SHELVES" = the copy should be on the shelf at that call number location
   - A date is shown = that copy of the title is checked out
   
   If no copies are available, use the REQUEST button to request the book
     ~ For how to request a book online, see Requesting Library Materials
       (Entertainment DVDs, VCDs and VHS, and Music CDs are not requestable)
   
   Note: You must have a San Jose Library card to request or borrow Library books

1. STATUS says "CHECK SHELVES" = The book should be in the Library. Make sure the book isn't a little out of place -- to the left or right, or on a nearby shelf. Also, check the closest sorting area.
    
2. STATUS shows a DUE date = The book is currently checked out and the date tells you when it is due back. If a book you want is checked out, use:
    
     A) REQUEST button to request the book from the Library
      ~ For how to request a book online, see Requesting Library Materials
        (Entertainment DVDs, VCDs and VHS, and Music CDs are not requestable)
    
     B) SEARCH LINK+ button to find and request the book from another system
      ~ For how to request a book via Link+, see Link+
   
   Note: You must have a San Jose Library card to request/borrow Library or Link+ books
    
3. STATUS says "MISSING" or "BILLED" = The book has disappeared, but you can get it from another library system through LINK+ or Interlibrary Services.
    ~ To learn how, see Request Material Beyond SJLibrary
    
4. If the STATUS says anything else or if you have any questions or problems, call the Library at (408) 808-2000, or ask at the Circulation and Reserves Desk at King Library or any San José Branch Library.