The STLCC Library Catalog is your gateway to finding all items, including books, which the College Libraries own.
The two basic methods for searching the catalog are by keyword and by LC subject heading. Because most library users are not familiar with the official Library of Congress (LC) subject headings, it's often a good idea to begin with a keyword search. Results of a keyword search can lead to appropriate subject headings. Ask a reference librarian for help with subject searching.
Every item owned by an STLCC library is listed in the College's Library Catalog. Each listing is called a record. A powerful way to search for books on a particular topic is to perform a keyword search, which looks for records containing the words you use in your search.
Example keyword search: mound
Narrowing your search with and. Example keyword search: mound and culture
Using truncation. Example keyword search: mound* and culture
Library of Congress (LC) subject headings are special, standardized words and phrases which describe the primary subject(s) on which a book focuses. Searching by subject heading rather than by keyword often allows you to look for books on a particular topic more efficiently.
Since LC subject headings are included in a book's catalog record, looking at the records you get from a keyword search can help you identify appropriate subject headings. Ask A Librarian for help with LC subject searching.
Below are just a few examples of archaeology subject headings you will find in the STLCC Catalog:
St. Louis Community College Libraries |
Florissant Valley Campus Library |
Forest Park Campus Library |
Meramec Campus Library |
Wildwood Campus Library |
|