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How to Find Books: Main

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These guides will help you find and locate other types of information.

Finding Books

You can find materials in our catalog through a variety of different search options. You can search for specific titles, authors, call numbers, subject headings, ISBNs, ISSNs, or access numbers.  Keyword searches in our catalog are useful when you are looking for something specific or on a specific topic. When you turn up a book you're interested in and want to find similar books, try clicking the hyperlinked subject headings of an individual book's catalog record. Also, there will probably be books with similar topics shelved near the original book you found.

For physical items, search the WU Libraries Catalog. Note the location, call number, and status of the item you're interested in. Refer to the chart below for actions that can be taken for the various statuses.

If the item isn't available locally, request the item through Summit.

If you still cannot find the item, request it through our Interlibrary Loan service.


Status What should I do?
Green button and text that reads available at.

Note the call number & location to get item from the shelf or choose the Request option.

Request text

Gray button and text that reads checked out from.

Click "Request" to place a hold on a local copy, or "Request Summit" to have the item shipped here in five days from another Summit Library.

Two menu choices one that says request, another reads Request Summit (5 days).

Gold button and then text that says Check Holdings.

Click "Request Summit" to have the item shipped here in five days from another Summit Library.

Button with text that reads Request Summit (5 days)

Willamette University

Willamette University Libraries

Mark O. Hatfield Library
900 State Street.
Salem Oregon 97301
Pacific Northwest College of Art Library
511 NW Broadway.
Portland Oregon 97209