How Do I find Books On my Topic?

Search the Master’s Library Catalogue using keyword searches to find books. A keyword search checks authors, titles, and subject headings for your words in any order.

Popular Search Strategy using the MCS Library Catalogue online

1) Start at the MCS Library homepage
2) Select 'Library Catalogue'
3) Search by:

• Author (use this option if you know who wrote the book, e.g.Yoncey)
  
  OR
• Title (use this option when you know the exact title of the book, e.g. In His image)
  
  OR
• Keyword (use this option if you do not know the exact title or author, e.g. Church, human body, christianity)
  
  OR
• Subject (use this option when you know the assigned Library of Congress subject heading for your topic, e.g. Body, human – Religious aspects -- Christianity)

4) Click 'Search'

"I've Found Some Books in the Library Catalogue...Now What?"

1) Note the following for each item:

• Location = identifies the library or resource centre where the item is located
• Call Number = standard number that will help you locate a specific item in the library
• Status = indicates whether or not the item is available to be borrowed

For Example:

2) If the book you want is available:

• Go to the library and pick it up

3) If the book you want is signed out:

• Request that it be returned early by placing a recall

OR

• Check the status of the item in the Library Catalogue on or after the due date to confirm the item's availability

4) If the book that you want is IN TRANSIT, IN PROCESS or MISSING, please see library staff.

"I Can't Find the Book That I Want In The Library..."

1) If you can find the book in the Library Catalogue but cannot find it on the shelf:

• Check nearby tables and/or book carts for the item
• Confirm the location, call number and status of the item in the Library Catalogue
• Ask library staff for assistance

2) If you cannot find the book in the Library Catalogue:

• Confirm that you have the correct information (e.g. author, title, date, etc.)
• Ask library staff for assistance