Searching for Library Items Online

Answer

Patrons are able to search for library items using the WorldCat Discovery search box on the Macalester library website. 

Type search terms into the search box near the center of the screen and press enter. 

A list of results will populate. On the left side of the screen, there is a list of filters that can be applied to narrow down your search. 

Some tips for filtering:

  1. Filter for "Held By Library"
    1. If you are looking for a book that we have at our library, choose "Macalester College".
    2. If you are looking for a book that we may or may not have at our library, choose "Libraries Worldwide".
  2. Filter for "Format"
    1. Choose from the list of formats (e.g. print book, DVD, article, etc.).
  3. Apply other filters such as "Publication", "Subject", and "Language".
  4. Click "Retain Filters" to keep all of your filters between searches.

A screenshot of the Macalester Library's WorldCat Discovery Webpage. The term "principles of economics" is written in the search bar at the top of the screen. Search results populate the center of the screen. On the left of the screen are checkboxes to filter the search. The first checkbox, "Retain Filters", has the number 4 in bold next to it. Further down, a "Macalester College" checkbox to filter by library is checked and has the number 1 in bold next to it. Under the heading "Format", there is a box named "Book" which is checked and has the number 2 in bold next to it. At the bottom of this list is the number 3 in bold with an arrow pointing downward, indicating that there are more filters to choose from below.

 

More tips:

  1. To search by title, type "ti:" into the search box before typing the title (ex. "ti:principles of economics").
  2. To search by author, type "au:" into the search box before typing the author (ex. "au: Kofi Annan").
  3. For more advanced search tips (keywords, boolean operators, etc.), check out WorldCat's guide.

If you have any questions or trouble, please do not hesitate to reach out! Send us an email at library@macalester.edu or chat us!

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  • Last Updated Jun 23, 2025
  • Views 3
  • Answered By Library Student Manager

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