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

You may search the Library Catalog any of several ways. The following options are found in the dropdown menu that says Keyword on the Search the Catalog page:

TITLE if you know the exact title or at least the exact beginning of the title
 
 AUTHOR if you are looking for works by a particular author
    - Remember: last name, then first -- steinbeck john or armstrong louis
 
 SUBJECT if you are searching for items on a particular topic
    - Remember: broad term first, then narrower -- history united states or cookery mexican
 
 KEYWORD searches the Title, Author, Subject and Notes fields
    - Remember: Library Catalog automatically inserts AND between words
    - To include a phrase in your search, use quotation marks -- "united nations" health
 

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

The sample item record below is interactive with live links.

• Selecting the AUTHOR link lets you browse other titles by that author
• Selecting a LOCATION link opens up for King a floor map and for branch libraries a street map
• Selecting a CALL # link returns a list of titles with nearby call numbers
• Selecting a SUBJECT link returns a list of subjects including the one selected (in bold)
  IMPORTANT: Selecting that 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 in the example:
  "DUE 3-31-03BILLED" = the copy is long overdue and will likely never be returned
  "CHECK SHELVES" = the copy should be on the shelf at that exact call number
  "IN TRANSIT" = the copy is in transit back to its home location (i.e., Vineland)

When you find an item you like in the Library Catalog:

1. First check LOCATION, CALL # and STATUS in the item record
    
2. Within the LOCATION, the CALL # gives the exact place of a copy on the shelf. Note the call number exactly as given.
• For how to use call numbers, see Call Numbers
   
3. Before you look for an item, note its STATUS:
   • "CHECK SHELVES" = the copy should be on the shelf at that call number
   • "DUE" followed by a date = that copy is checked out and due by that date
      
4. If no copies are CHECK SHELVES, use the REQUEST button to request the item
   • For how to request an item online, see Requesting Library Materials
         (Entertainment DVDs, VCDs and VHS, and Music CDs are not requestable)

NOTE: You must have an SJ Library card to request or borrow Library items

1. STATUS says "CHECK SHELVES" = The item should be in the Library. Make sure the item isn't a little out of place -- to the left or right, or on a nearby shelf. If you still cannot find it, report this to a staff member.
    
2. STATUS shows a DUE date = The item is currently checked out and the date tells you when it is due. If an item you want is checked out, use:
    
• REQUEST button to request it from the Library
  • For how to request, see Requesting Library Materials
     (Entertainment DVDs, VCDs and VHS, and Music CDs are not requestable)
     
• SEARCH LINK+ button to find and request the item from another Link+ library
  • For how to get a book via Link+, see Link+
     (Books only - and only if no SJLibrary copies of a book are CHECK SHELVES status)
     
• NOTE: You must have an SJ Library card to request Library or Link+ items
   
3. STATUS says "MISSING" or "BILLED" = The copy is unavailable, but if it is a book and no copies say "CHECK SHELVES," you may request the title via LINK+ or Interlibrary Services.
    
• To learn how, see Other Library Systems
   
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.