University Libraries

You can search for books, eBooks, and other materials using the Library Catalog. This search includes items from Ohio University Libraries and other libraries in the statewide OhioLINK network.

Here’s how to search:

1. Go to the Library Catalog.

2. Use the search bar to enter keywords, book titles, or author names.

3. Use the filters on the left to narrow your results (for example: by format, date, or campus location).

4. When you find something you want:

   • Look for the Location, Call Number, and Status (e.g., Available means it should be on the shelf).

   • If it’s an eBook, look for a link to view online.

Every book you find in the Library Catalog or through OhioLINK has a call number—a unique code that tells you where the book is located on the shelf.

Call numbers are based on subject, so books on similar topics are grouped together.

You'll usually find the call number:

• On the spine of the book, near the bottom

• Or on the top left corner of the front cover (especially for thinner books)

Think of the call number as an address for the book. It's read line by line, and each part helps you narrow down exactly where it lives on the shelf.

If a book isn’t available in our Library Catalog, don’t panic!—you still have options!

Many books from OhioLINK Libraries are already included in your search results, and you can request them directly through the Library Catalog.

If you still can’t find what you’re looking for, try using Interlibrary Loan (ILL). ILL lets you borrow materials from libraries across the country, and it’s free for you to use. Just submit a request, and we’ll track it down for you!