The first step to finding a book is to search in Scout.
- If you're just getting started or if you're looking for new resources: Use Scout to search for your topic, then use the limiters on the left side of the results page to narrow your results to look for books only.
- For a specific book, use Scout to search by title. Select Title from the drop-down menu to the left of the search box, type the title into the search box, and then hit enter or select Search. This usually works best when you place the title in quotation marks: "Thomas Pynchon : allusive parables of power".
- For books by a specific author, search by author name in Scout. Select Author from the drop-down menu to the left of the search box, type the author name into the search box, and then hit enter or select Search. This usually works best when you don't place the author's name in quotation marks, since authors' names can be listed in many different ways (Thomas Pynchon; Pynchon, Thomas; Thomas Ruggles Pynchon Jr. etc.).
Then, what you do once you've found the book you need depends on the format of the book.
If it's an eBook...
You can view the book online in your browser or download it for offline reading. Note that you may need to also download the free Adobe Digital Editions software to view a downloaded eBook. Visit our eBooks Research Guide for more on accessing eBooks.
If it's in the stacks...
If the book you want is on the shelf (what we librarians call 'the stacks') in one of the Libraries locations, you will want to note the library branch name and the call number of the book, as well as whether or not it's available. In Scout, you can have this information texted to your phone using the Text Call # link beside the call number.
Then, head to the library branch where your book is located. There you will find signs directing you to the part of the library where the relevant call number range is held. Once you make it to the correct area, signs on the ends of the shelves will help you find the aisle where your book is located. The call number from the Scout search results will then lead you to the book on the shelf. Have a look at this FAQ for more info about call numbers.
If the book is in the UA Libraries but the Status is listed as Unavailable, follow these instructions to request a copy through interlibrary loan.
If it's in the annex (now called the Archival Facility)...
You can request a book from the Library Annex and pick it up at the library of your choice using the steps outlined in this FAQ Answer.
If it's in Hoole Special Collections...
You'll need to visit Hoole Special Collections to view the book in-person. Items from special collections do not circulate. To plan your visit to Hoole Special Collections, take a look at this Research Guide or email the branch.
And... if we don't have the book you're looking for, you can always request a copy through interlibrary loan.