Getting started using LibrarySearch.
LibrarySearch is a library catalogue and digital discovery tool that helps you find the resources you need for your study and research. You can:
- Search the University's print, audio-visual and digital collections in a single search.
- Find out which items are available at each campus library.
- Go straight to digital full-text content of ebooks and journal articles where available.
- Access your library account and bookmark or 'save' favourite items to come back to.
- Submit Document Delivery requests of items not held by the university libraries.
- Find research articles and theses in the university's Research repository.
To find a book:
- Step 1 - Type the author’s surname and one or two keywords from the title into the search box. For example, if you were looking for Greta Thunberg's book No one is too small to make a difference, type: Thunberg difference
- Step 2 - You can use the limits in the left-hand pane to specify a format, such as ebook or print book, or by library, for example, Augustine House or Drill Hall. Tick the box next to your selection and click on include.
- Step 3 - Click on the hyperlinked title of the book that you wish to view and make a note of the loan type, classmark and collection/status.
| Library | Loan Type | Classmark | Item Barcode | Collection/Status |
| Augustine House | 4 week loan | 363.70092 THU | 3604499270 | Due 22/09/23 |
| Augustine House | 7 day loan | 363.70092 THU | 3607847842 | Sustainability Collection |
To find an article on a topic:
- Step 1 - Type your keywords into the search box. For example, sustainable living
- Step 2 - You can limit in the right-hand pane to select peer-reviewed articles, or choose a source type, such as academic journals or magazines.
- Step 3 - Choose a published date range to limit your articles. For example 2018-2023, and include.
- Step 4 - Click on Full Details for information about the articles including abstract and author affiliation or choose View Content to access the articles directly. Click on Refworks if you wish to manage your references in a reference management system.
BETTER SEARCHING
- Use speech marks for a specific phrase, e.g. “occupational therapy”, “social phobia”
- Don’t be too broad (you will get too many results).
- Don’t be too specific (you won’t find anything).
- Don’t expect to find the perfect match (your research will very likely involve ranging through other people’s research, that’s what makes it, and you, original!).
- Don’t give up! (Try different search terms).
Where to go for further help
Your Learning & Research Librarian will be able to help you make the best use of online resources. You can contact your librarian through the Learning Skills Hub.
Return to
Complete the Using LibrarySearch module in the Learning Skills Hub.
You’ll find lots of digital and print resources in the library for your subject area. From e-books, online journals and video streaming platforms to research material, digital newspapers, print books and more, there’s plenty to support your studies.
Online databases are great for primary research, background information, latest thinking, detailed theory, standard reference, study skills, and literature searching, and we have plenty to help with your studies.
Check the current status of LibrarySearch and details of any upcoming scheduled maintenance.