CSU Libraries > How Do I > Gil > Subject Heading Search

Subject Heading Search

GIL is the library's web based book and media catalog. You can often search GIL to find out what resources our library has on a given subject by using a subject heading search. Here is how you do it...

1. Choose Exact Search from the buttons above the Quick Search menu on the opening screen.
   
   
   
2. Type in the first word or two of your subject heading, and click the circle next to subject heading.
   
   
   
3. Click Go to start your search.
4. GIL presents you with a list of subject headings, titles, or authors. Here is a list of subject headings that begin with the word, "rain forests." You can find related headings by clicking on the see also oval.
   
   
   
5. If you click on the blue heading, "Rain forests," you will see a list of titles and authors of works on that subject like the partial one below. GIL arranges this list alphabetically by title.
   
   
   
6. Most of the time, this list gives you enough information to find the items you need. In addition to title and author, this list gives you the books' call numbers and lets you know if they go out and are on the shelf.
   
   
   CIRCULATING COLLECTION means a book or other item can go out.
   GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS usually circulate too.
   NOT CHECKED OUT means the book is on the shelf.
7. For more information on a particular book, click on its blue title.
8. To see additional titles on a long list, press the Next arrow. To return to a previous list of titles, hit the Previous arrow. Note: not all arrows are active on all screens.
9. To print out a list of books (or other materials) click on the print icon at the top of the Netscape or IE browser. In Netscape you need to tell the printer OK before it will print.
10. If you see a red error message on a screen that says your search has timed out, click on the blue or purple link to start another search.
11. You can access GIL from any computer with an internet connection. You do not need a password.

(Created by Eileen H. Kramer Science Reference Librarian -- November 2004)