Searching in library catalogs

Since the introduction of DP search systems the options have increased to a great extent. However, it requires a certain experience and some imagination to receive good search results. Most systems operate similarly, even if single commands may differ. You should also pay attention to e.g. the fact that book and journal catalogs are to some extent separated when using certain search modes.

In addition to combined catalogs, there are platforms searching in various catalogs, nationally as well as internationally. Such platforms pass on their queries to library catalogs such as KVK («Karlsruher Virtueller Katalog», the virtual catalog of Karlsruhe) ‹https://kvk.bibliothek.kit.edu›, or DigiBib («Digitale Bibliothek», digital library) ‹https://www.digibib.net/Digibib›, an internet portal searching through large library catalogs and databases, all over the world and at the same time. Another example is «The European Library» ‹https://www.theeuropeanlibrary.org/›, whose website allows searching through 32 of 47 national libraries simultaneously. The GIUZ library gives a good overview: ‹https://www.hbz.uzh.ch/en/fachinformationen/geographie-human/BK_humangeographie.html›

The following information is based on the search systems of the catalog IDS («Informationsverbund Deutschschweiz», Swiss-German information network), and NEBIS («Netzwerk von Bibliotheken und Informationsstellen in der Schweiz», Swiss library and information network), that are joined in the swissbib network, a part of IDS, since these catalogs are the most important ones in Zurich. Other systems operate similarly.

Further details and explanations can be found within these search systems, section «Hilfe / Suche» (Help / Search).

Combined word search and word search with filter

It is possible to combine a query when using DP-supported systems and having a large amount of data (Rechercheportal, Zurich University: section «Advanced Search»). On the one hand, you can search for an intersection set, such as only listing titles by a certain author containing the word required. On the other hand, it is possible to search for a set union, resulting in a list with terms containing either one of the two words required.

Such a combined search can be used when looking for authors and titles or when searching thematically. You have to determine first where to search: with filter, in the entire network, in a subordinate library (e.g. Department of Geography), or in only one part of a library (e.g. journals, dissertations).

Substring search (Boolean search)

You should use the substring search particularly when trying to limit large amounts of data. This will take some training; however, the results gained will be promising.

We recommend using Boolean operators (named after the British mathematician George Boole). These logic operations are called: «AND», «OR», or «NOT». If you enter various terms one after the other, the system will automatically use the Boolean operator «AND». The other two operators have to be entered explicitly. Search results archived in the search history can be combined in the same way. This entails rather precise intersection sets.

In the section «keyword search», you can abbreviate search terms by using «?» or «*» (on the left, right, or in the middle of a word). When entering «geogra?», the system will look for «Geographie», «geografie», «geographisch», «geography», etc. «!» is used to search for various ways of spelling where only one single letter is changed. When entering «Hydrox!d», the system will search for «Hydroxid» as well as «Hydroxyd». In case more than one letter changes, one uses «#». When entering «Geogra##ie», the system will search for «Geographie» and «Geografie». You will receive similar results when entering «Geographie OR Geografie».

Collecting datasets

Datasets found while searching can be collected in a «basket», either from the title list or the title's full screen. These datasets can then be sent via e-mail or stored on a PC. The basket's content will be deleted after ending a session.