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Email: ask@mjc.libanswers.com

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FAQ

The Question

How can I find a book if I don't know the author or title?

Our Answer

Whether or not you have an author or title, you can always search the MJC library catalog using search terms you choose or using official subject headings that the database uses to describe the content in all the books and other materials the MJC Library owns. In our library catalog these two types of searches are called a "keyword" search and a "subject" search. A "keyword" search is the way most people use to search their favorite search engine like Google. A subject search is different; think of a subject search like using the index of a book to find exactly what you want in that book.

For a "keyword" search, you simply type the words you think of to describe your topic in the search box and click the blue Search button. For a "subject" search, you can type "su:" before your terms. For example, "su: california plants" will bring up results specifically about California plants. A search for "california plants" (without the "su:") will bring up results in which the words "california" and "plants" appear, regardless of the actual subject of the book or article.

For more help on searching the MJC library catalog, see the little video below:

 




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