Navigating the Libraries | Finding Books | Finding Articles | Photography Resources | Writing Resources
Finding Books
Searching The CAT
Begin your search in The CAT, the online catalog for the Penn State University Libraries.
Tips for searching The CAT:
- Use synonyms and related terms to narrow or broaden your search.
- Browse around the call number for similar items.
- See the Quick Guide to Searching in the Enhanced CAT for additional tips, or use the Help/FAQ button in The CAT.
Library of Congress Classification System
The Penn State University Libraries use the Library of Congress Classification System to arrange books and other materials
on the shelves.
The Library of Congress Classification Outline breaks down
the system into categories by letter. For example, photography books are located in the TR section.
Understanding Call Numbers instructs you
on how to read call numbers in order to locate books on the shelf.
Other Book Databases
If the Penn State University Libraries don’t own the book you need, additional book databases are available through the Electronic E-Resource (A-Z).
For example, WorldCat has over 47 million bibliographic records for books and other materials in libraries around the world.
You may request a book through one of these databases or through Interlibrary Loan.