Find Books option provides one-stop searching for books and e-books, journal articles, DVDs, and more. The search box in the widget above allows you to directly search for materials found in what was previously called the Library Catalog.
The video below provides a brief introduction on how to use the new Search to find books and e-books in the USC Upstate library collection.
Different words can be used to describe a subject or topic. When you are looking for a book on the dismissal of employees what words could be used? Dismissal, firing or termination would all be valid. The LC Subjects are standardized lists of words and phrases called controlled vocabulary. That is, only certain words may be used as subject headings which will group all different ways to say the same thing together. To figure out the Library of Congress subject(s) first do a key word search for your term, find a book that looks like a good bet and look at the LC Subjects listed in that record. Then you can use the LC Subjects listed under that book to link to a group of similar books. These can also help you broaden or narrow your topic if you see Birth control — Religious Aspects that is very specific but you can also use just the first part Birth control as a broader topic. LC subject headings are not always the same as commonly used terms, often they are dated or awkward. See the examples below.
| Your Words | Library of Congress Subjects |
| Movies | Motion Pictures |
| Black drama (American) | American drama--Afro-American authors |
| Permafrost | Frozen Ground |
| Moonshine | Distilling, Illicit |
If you do a subject search in the catalog for books about "permafrost" you will not find any. Why? The authorized Library of Congress subject used in the catalog is not "permafrost" but "frozen ground." If you look up "permafrost" in the Library of Congress Subject Headings, it will say " USE Frozen ground."" USE is the term the Library of Congress uses to direct you from the incorrect subject heading to the correct heading.
Permafrost
USE Frozen ground
Click on the title of a book in the results list to access the record for that book, which includes two useful aids:
Did you know that you can request books for check out even when you're not physically in the library? When you find a book (or books) in the Search catalog that you would like, you can submit your request electronically and Circulation staff will pull the materials. Once they have done so, you will receive an email alert directing you to select your time for pickup and check out at the circulation desk. Please see the image below showing how to use the "Request" link in a sample catalog record.
