Explore the Deeper Context:
Track Down Books using the Library Catalogue
Your library catalogue can help you track down copies of the sources you have already identified (those cited by an article in a reference work or included within one of the bibliographies listed in the sidebar "Recommended Resources: Secondary Source Bibliographies"). The library catalogue can also help you identify additional secondary source books. You have probably used the library catalogue previously during your university career, so let's focus on some tips and tricks for locating and accessing books that you might not be familiar with.
Accessing books
First, go to the UT library main page and click on "Books & Media" to access the library catalogue. Use it to locate the books you have already identified (through a reference work or bibliography).
Tip: Did you know that you can order a book UT does not own, or is currently unavailable, from another library? Go to the "Find, Borrow, Request" tab on the main library website and select "InterLibrary Loan." Follow the instructions to place a request for a book, or ask a librarian for help
If some are ebooks, you can access them right away. If a physical copy is available, click "pick it up" and a librarian will retrieve the book for you, or write down the call number so you can find them in the library stacks yourself.
Tip: Don't avoid using physical books just because you may be able to access ebooks more quickly! Choose the most appropriate and highest quality books, even if not available as an ebook.
Tip: While you are in the stacks, browse the books nearby on the shelf––you will find closely related books! Catalogue entries also include a "Virtual Browse" at the bottom of the page, which shows othe rbooks on the shelf.
Tip: Does someone else have your book checked out? You can have a book recalled or delivered to the UT library of your choice (for pick up at the front desk) by clicking the "pick it up" link.
A Subject Search
Next, search the library catalogue for other books on your topic. You can use a “keyword or phrase” search (the default option), but students often overlook the “subject" search. This can help you specifically find sources about the history of your topic, not just the science or math topic itself.
Start at the Library Catalog Advanced Search:
- Select "Subject" on the left of the first search line and enter a relevant science or math subject term (e.g. Chemistry––not necessarily the more specific historical topic you are interested in).
- Select "Subject" on the left of the second search line and enter the word "history"
- This will return a list of results broadly relevant to your topic (e.g. "Chemistry" and "History"). Scroll down and browse to identify ones that look promising.
- You can also refine your search by clicking on "Subject" under "Refine Results" on the left. There you will see a list of related and more specific subjects (e.g. "Chemists biography, "Chemistry History 20th Century," etc.)––you can narrow your results by clicking on these headings.
- You can also try adding narrower or related keyowrds as a "Subject" search (e.g. "Chemistry" and "History" and "Mendeleev").
Other catalogues
To find books that may or may not be at your library, you may also want to use: