Finding Books Using OneSearch
Books often provide more comprehensive coverage than articles (which tend to be much more narrowly focused) and can be useful when you are unfamiliar with a topic and just getting started with your research.
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The best way to locate books, in both electronic and print format, is by using our OneSearch tool, located prominently on the library's website or by clicking the image below. To learn more, visit the library's guide to using OneSearch. |
Important
When looking for books, be sure to use very general search terms. Imagine what the title of the book you are looking for might be. You usually don't have to read the entire book to use it as a source, but there may be some chapters or sections of the book that provide great information for your research.
Video: Finding & Requesting Books from the Library
Finding eBooks
The library provides access to thousands of eBooks to Fresno State users through the library catalog.
To find eBooks, go to the library's home page and do a search from the home page search box. Enter your key words and then choose eBooks on the left side of the page to narrow your results.
Didn't Find What You Were Looking For? Request It From Another Library.
The Henry Library offers two options for requesting materials from other libraries:
- Find and request books and media from all 23 CSU libraries.
- Materials arrive in 2-4 business days
- Most books have 60 day lending periods, no renewals. Media items (DVD's, audio CD's, etc.) usually 30 days, no renewals
- Select the CSU+ Books and Media collection in Onesearch to find and request materials
- Request articles and books not in CSU+ (not textbooks) through interlibrary loan
- Books typically arrive in 7-10 business days, articles in 2-3 business days
- Loan period for books varies, as is set by lending library. Articles arrive in PDF format and are accessible for 30 days
- To request an item, log into your interlibrary loan account, and fill out a new request form
Browsing the Stacks & Using Call Numbers
The library uses the Library of Congress Classification system. Because books are organized by subject, you can use this system to browse the stacks and find books that are similar on the same shelf.
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How Call Numbers Work
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Here is an example of a call number that you might find on a book: -
PR
4034
.P7
1996
1. Books are shelved alphabetically by the first letter or letters (PR)
2. They are then arranged numerically by the number that comes after the letters (4034)
3. Finally, books are shelved alphabetically by the next letter and then decimally by the following number (.P7)