A Guide to the Library Catalogue

A Guide to the Library CatalogueThe online library catalogue is called HIP (Horizon Information Portal) and ispart of a shared library system, which gives you access to information onresources at the 7 other colleges in Glasgow. This will help you identify usefulresources and can help track down hard to find items.As the HIP is accessed via the Internet, you do not need to come to the LearningCentre to search for resources! All information on issues/returns and newresources appears instantly, so you can be sure that the availability is accurate.The HIP lists all resources available – not what’s left on the shelf – and thenumerous resources located in Stow archive. It also lists electronic resourceswhich you can access directly from the HIP using the URL link – look out forthese!How do I access the HIP?♦ At an PC in Stow College:Double click on the Library Catalogue icon on the desktop♦ From home, use the following URL:http://hip.glasgowcolleges.ac.uk/ipac20/ipac.jsp?profile=st#focusfocusOr if you log onto Stow College network remotely, go to the Learning Gatewayand select the Library Catalogue link under “Quick Links”.How do I search the HIP?There are 3 easy to use search tools available on HIP: simple search (at thewelcome page), and basic search and advanced search (both available via thesearch tab).1. Simple searchWhen you log on to the library catalogue you will automatically be directed to thewelcome page, which has the simple search engine. Type in the subject, authorname or title e.g. politics and click on Go. A list of relevant resources will appearon the screen.2. Basic Search• Click on the search tab and then basic search. This will enable you tosearch by keyword, author, subject or title.• Type in the topic you are searching for i.e. the keyword, and click on Go.• Any resources we have on that subject will be listed. If we do not have anylistings for that keyword, try using another term, and check your spelling.3. Advanced SearchAn advanced search lets you refine your search by entering multipleterms. It also lets you limit your search by location e.g. StowCollege or Cardonald College. Select from the drop down menuunder “limits” heading.• Click on the Search tab and then Advanced Search.• You must fill in at least one of the following fields:author, keyword, general keyword, series keyword, subjectkeyword or title keyword.

Please note: the more words you search for, the smaller and more refined yourresults list will be.Searching by author• Type in the surname of the author and click on Go• The resources by that author will be listed• If there is not a listing for that author, try using an alternative spelling of thesurnameSearching by general keywordType in a topic or keyword that you are looking for and click on Go. If there areany items relating to your keyword, they will be listed in the search results. Thissearch finds items with the keyword in the title, keyword field, and subjects and sois the most wide reaching search. This search is recommended for initialsearching. If you have too many hits, try one of the other searches.Searching by subject keywordType in the subject area of the resource you are searching for and press Go. Theresources relating to that subject area will be listed in the search results. Thissearch only finds items with the keyword in the subject field.Please note: Library of Congress subject headings are used (using Americanspellings), so if you don’t find any relevant titles, try keyword searching.Searching by title keywordType in a word in the title of the resource you are looking for and click on Go.The resources relating to the title will be listed in the search results. This searchonly finds items with the keyword in the title field, and is best if you know part orall of the title you are looking for.Where is the resource I am looking for?When you find a useful resource, simply click on its title (which is a hyperlink) tofind out the following information: title, author, publisher, publication date,subjects and copy/holding information.On this screen you will find a table containing Copy/Holding information. Thelocation of the resource is stated (Stow College); its collection i.e. whether it isavailable for lending, a reference copy, at the desk, an electronic resource or avideo, etc.; its call number, which is its classification within the library (thenumber on the side of the book); and its status (available or on loan). Ifthe item is on loan to another borrower, the date it is due for returnwill also be shown in this table.What else can I find on the HIP?The HIP also has a number of tabs on the screen which linksyou to:• The Learning Gateway• Athens – for online subscription resources• User guidesPlease ask if you need help using the HIP.Staff are pleased to help.September 2008