When searching the library catalog, think about the key terms you want to find and connect them with “and” if you want to find all of those terms. Use “or” to broaden your search results to include either one item or another.
Example: Rome and architecture and history
This search will bring up books about Rome that also include architecture and history, such as Ancient Rome: Art, Architecture and History
You might also search just for a geographic location and “architecture” to capture multiple time periods.
Example: Midwest and architecture
Search for a specific type of building or style
Example: tenement houses
Example: furniture and United States or American
This search will return books about American furniture styles. It will also include government documents and broader content. Remember that you can limit your search to exclude government documents by modifying your search and selecting “HIRAM All Collections Except Gov Docs” in the Collections drop down. You may find books from the Smithsonian tucked in with the government documents, though!
Search for a specific item or type of item:
Consider adding a location or people group: tableware and United States; pottery and Pueblo