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Tarleton State University Libraries Unit 5
UNDERSTANDING SEARCH RESULTS
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image of rectangles   Catalog Search Results will take three possible formats:
•  a list of items matching the search terms,
•  the record for a specific item, or
•  a "browse list" of possible terms.

Images of the possible search results formats are given below along with explanations and instructions for using each format.

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LIST OF ITEMS MATCHING THE SEARCH TERMS

• Use the "Previous" and "Next" buttons or the page numbers at the top of the list to scroll through pages.

• Scroll through the results to see what items matched the search terms.

• Click "Details" to see more information about an item.		 image of results list

Information given in the results list includes
 --search terms --number of items matching search terms
--call number --title --author/editor --author's birth/death dates
--publication year --availability --library --collection
--link to online version, if available --more information at times
image of item entry in results list
up arrow link to top of page  TOP

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RECORD FOR A SPECIFIC ITEM

• If only one item matches your search terms, that item's record will appear in the search results.

• The item's record has two screens: "item information" and "catalog record, which are explained more fully on the next page.

 image of an item's record
up arrow link to top of page  TOP

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"BROWSE LIST" OF POSSIBLE TERMS

• If nothing matches your search terms, a list of possible terms will appear.

• Browse the list.

• Click a term to start a search or change your search terms.
 image of a browse list

left arrow  Searching the Catalog Understanding an Item's Record  right arrow
Library Orientation Site Index
Updated 8/2004