You'll find these sections on this page: 

1. Library Catalogs 

2. Searching by Topic in Library Catalogs 

3. Advanced Searching -- Locating Materials at Other Libraries   

1. Library Catalogs 

The library catalog is probably the most important tool for the researcher. It is the gateway into the library's collection. Use Library Catalogs to locate published materials at the University of Texas at Austin or at other libraries. Learning to use UTCAT or UtNetCat (UT-Austin's online catalogs) should be the first priority for any new library user. 

UTNetCat and UTCAT 

Both provide information on materials held in the UT Austin General Libraries. Contains records for books, journal subscriptions, maps, scores, videos, etc... Both versions access the same database; UTNetCAT is the Web-based version and UTCAT is the original telnet version. Classes on effectively using both versions are offered theough the Electronic Information Classes series. An Online User's Guide is also available. 

Note: some older materials have not yet been input into the online catalog. For items published prior to 1984 it is advisable to search both the online and the card catalogs. New acquisitions are only accessible in the online catalog. 

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2. Searching by topic in library catalogs 

To effectively search the online (or card) catalog you will need to become familiar with Library of Congress Subject Headings. To find the correct heading for your research topic, use the Library of Congress Subject Headings, a bright red four-volume set located near the card catalog, and behind the reference desk. Examples of relevant subject headings in the field of American Studies are: 
 

America--Civilization 
American Drama 
American Literature 
American Wit and Humor 
American Studies 
Americana 
Art, American 
Cookery, American 
Costume--United States 
Education--United States 
English Language in the United States 
Folklore, American 
United States--Civilization 
United States--Description and Travel 
United States--History 
United States--Popular Culture 
United States--Religion 
United States--Social Life and Culture 

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3. Advanced Searching -- Locating Materials at Other Libraries 

Most library catalogs are searchable remotely. A few of the more prominent ones are listed here as examples. To access a more comprehensive list go to the UT Library's link for Online Catalogs. 

British Library 

Harvard University (HOLLIS) 

Library of Congress 

Princeton University 

Yale University 

Union Catalogs 

These are shared catalogs with records contributed by libraries from across the country. 

RLIN Bibliographic File 

Worldwide catalog of materials held by over 150 Research Libraries Network libraries, with over 22 million records, including books, manuscripts, periodicals, sound recordings, and more, in all languages. 

OCLC WorldCat 

Worldwide catalog of materials held by 23,000 libraries in 63 countries, with over 35 million records of books, periodicals, newspapers, maps, music, audio-visual materials, manuscripts, and more, in all languages. 

National Union Catalog, pre 1956 imprints 

-Q- Z 881 A1 U518 V.1 PCL Card Catalog Area 754 vols. 

A massive print compilation of materials owned by libraries in the United States. Includes numerous items not described in either RLIN or OCLC. Access is primarily by author. 

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