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Library Search User Guide

Instructions for using BGSU's new library search.

Sign in for Complete Access and Request Options

Library Search results will include access and request links when they are available.  Sign in to see all available access options.

Physical Items in the Library

If a call number is displayed under the title of an item, this means the library owns at least one physical copy. Select the title to open the record for more details. If you are signed in, you will see options for requesting a chapter scan to be delivered electronically or to request the book be held for you at the circulation desk.

A library catalog entry for the book "The Anime Ecology: A Genealogy of Television, Animation, and Game Media" by Thomas LaMarre, published by University of Minnesota Press in 2018. The book is listed as available at Jerome Library in the Main Stacks with the call number NC1766.J3 L34 2018. Options are shown to place a hold or request a scan of a chapter. The entry includes citation export tools and availability details.

Access options

Request links and information about specific volumes are often in the main record.  You may need to select a specific issue or volume to request some items, such as journals. You can use the comment section on the request page to let us know if there is anything specific you need. Library staff will read your comments before fulfilling your request and follow up with any questions.

General Collection

BGSU's general circulating collections are located on the first floor of Jerome Library. You can go to the shelf to get a book or to browse.

How to find an item on the shelf

  • Note the call number, an alphanumeric code following the library name. 
  • Find the call number’s location on the shelf. Every floor in the library has charts, maps, and staff available to help.

Pro Tip: you can email yourself a call number. Find this option in the "Send to" menu.


Example call numbers:

Request

You can request physical items in our collection to be picked up at the main circulation desk. Use the Place Hold button and we will send an email when the item is ready to pick up. 

Blue button that says place hold

Special Collections Requests

Some items in the special collections can be checked out and taken out of the library, but some must be used in their reading room. You can click on the "Place Hold" button to request access to an item in the reading room of the special collection library that circulates the item.

A screenshot of a library request form titled "Get It." The form includes two sections: "Request" and "Place Hold." In the "Request" section, there is a red link labeled "Request another issue" and a link to "View all items." The "Place Hold" section displays fields for Item Description (no.71), Material Type (Issue), Pickup Location (Pop Culture Reading Room), a "Not needed after" date selector, a comment box, and buttons labeled "Reset Form" and "Send Request."

e-Books and Digital Journal Access

Electronic access to academic journals and books provide students and faculty with immediate access to scholarly content in a digital format.  If an item has electronic access, select the 'Available Online' or 'get PDF' link to navigate to the item.  

screenshot of link to example button for "get pdf" and button that says "available online"

OhioLINK and Inter Library Loan

Requesting items the library does not own or subscribe to is easier than ever.  You can find these items in Library Search by using the BGSU, OhioLINK and More option from the dropdown menu.  Once located, request the item. If you don’t see the item you need in Library Search, you can fill out a blank request form with information about the item.  

example button that says "get it for me from other libraries" to request an item through interlibrary loan