Finding, and Getting, a Book
Step 1: search CardCat, SVSU's online library catalog
- Search based on what information you are most confident in
- If you know exactly what book you want, use either the Author search (type last name then first name) or Title search (ignore the first word of the title if it is "A", "An", or "The")
- If you aren't sure about the title, or don't have a specific book in mind, use the Keyword search for words you think are most likely to be in the title of a book
- A Subject search requires knowing Library of Congress Subject Headings. If you find a book you like use its subject headings to find similar books. Use the help information at each search box to assist you
- If in doubt, Ask a Librarian or call us at 964.4242
- If you find what you want CardCat will tell you whether it is already checked out or not, what floor the book is on, and the book's Call Number to help you find it on the shelf. If you need help locating a book go to the Circulation Desk or use the telephone by the stairs for assistance.
Step 1a: search ValCat for books in Tri-County area libraries
- Search ValCat the same as CardCat if you need books that we don't have in a hurry.
- Note that there are topics that area public library collections cover better than academic libraries.
- Check with the owning library or our Reference Desk to find out what borrowing privileges are available to you with the owning library.
Step 2: finding and requesting books from other libraries
Step 2a: using MelCat
- Search MelCat the same as CardCat
- When you find a book you want click on the "Get it for me" link
- Select "Saginaw Valley State University" from the drop down menu
- Enter your SVSU username and password at the prompt.
- NOTE: do not use the Enter Name and Barcode option
- The book will be delivered to Zahnow Library and you will be notified by email.
- Books have a due date of 21 days from their check out from the Library Circulation Desk with an optional 21 day renewal if the renewal is requested before the due date
- When you are finished return the book to the Library Circulation Desk just like a regular book.
- There is no cost to you for this service. See Interlibrary Loan for more information on this service.
Step 2b: using WorldCat
- Searching WorldCat requires a bit more skill.
- First, search WorldCat like you would CardCat by changing the index tag to whatever you want (e.g., title, author, keyword).
- If your results are too many, use the following limit features to help out:
- Limit language to "English" and Number of Libraries to "50 or more"
- Limit type to Books
- Set subtype limits to
- Audience = "Not Juvenile" (i.e., not children's books)
- Content = "Fiction" or "Not Fiction", depending on what you are looking for
- Format = "Not Microform"
- Click on the Find Text link and select the ILLiad link to request this book
- Enter your SVSU username and password
- ILLiad will automatically fill out the request form for you
- Click on the Submit button and exit ILLiad
- The book will be delivered to Zahnow Library.
- You will be notified by Email to pick the book up from the Library Circulation Desk.
- Note that the due date is determined by the lending library, which also reserves the right to demand the book back at any time as well as to grant or refuse renewal requests. It is best to plan on using the book as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- Return the book to the Library Circulation Desk when you are finished.
- For renewals use the ILLiad system or send an email to the Interlibrary Loan supervisor.
- While there is no cost to you for this service, it is relatively expensive. Please order what you will use, and check MeLCat first (which is both faster and less expensive)