Guide to Finding Books in UMW LIBRARIES
All books held by UMW Libraries are listed in our online catalog; the UMW Libraries' Catalog includes items held at both Simpson Library and the CGPS Stafford Library.
Searching the Catalog
The catalog can be accessed by clicking on 
from the UMW Libraries' homepage or from the top of any page within the UMW Libraries' website. You will automatically be taken to the Keyword Search screen. You may also select a Basic Search or Reserve Search from the blue band near the top of the page.
When to use the Keyword Search
Use the Keyword Search when you do not have a specific title or author in mind. The keyword search is best used when you are researching a subject or topic.
Performing a Keyword Search
1) Input your term(s) into the search boxes:
2) Select the fields you want to search in from the dropdown menus:
3) Select or input any filters that you would like to use to limit your search:
4) Click
.
5) A Results list will appear, showing basic information about each item. If no records are found, consider revising your search or contact the Reference/Information Desk at Simpson Library for assistance.
6) For information on locating an item, click on the
link on the left side of each record.
7) Please note the
of an item; "Available" means the item is on the shelves and available for check-out, while a "Due Date" indicates that the item is checked out by another patron.
8) If the item is "Available", you will need to note the
and
to locate the book in the Libraries. Please see Finding Books on the Shelf for more information.
9) If the item is checked out, you may "recall" the item. Please see How do I Request or recall a book?
When to use the Basic Search
Use the Basic Search when you already know the title, author, call number, or official Library of Congress subject heading of the book or books you need.
Performing a Basic Search
1) Input your term(s) into the search box
2) Select the fields you want to search in from the dropdown menus
3) Select any filters that you would like to use to limit your search
4) Click
.
5) A Results list will appear showing the Titles, Authors, Call Numbers or Subjects that most closely matches your search. If no records are found, consider revising your search or contact the Reference/Information Desk at Simpson Library for assistance.
6) Select a result to be taken either directly to the matching record or to a list of matching records. From within a list of matching records, click on the
7) Please note the
8) If the item is "Available", you will need to note the
9) If the item is checked out, you may "recall" the item. Please see How do I Request or recall a book?
When to use the Reserve Search
Use the Reserve Search to find materials your professor has placed "on reserve" in the Libraries. Course Reserves are placed there by instructors to ensure that all students enrolled in a particular class have ready access to required and recommended materials. Other items such as style manuals and documents relating to UMW are on Permanent Reserve. Please see our Course Reserve Policy for details.
Performing a Reserve Search
1) Input your instructor's last name into the search box
2) Click
3) Select your instructor's name from the Results list
4) You will see information about the Courses for which that instructor has placed items on reserve. Select
from below the course information.
5) You will see a list of the materials on reserve for that course. Please note the
6) If the item is "Available", you will need to note the
and
7) Bring the Call Number to the Desk at the Reserve Location to check out the item. Please see our Course Reserve Policy for more information on borrowing and returning Reserve Materials.
Search Bar Search
You can also perform a Keyword Search of the UMW Libraries Catalog from your browser's Search Bar. Please see our Search Bar page for more information.
Finding Books on the Shelf
Each book is assigned a unique call number and each catalog record will list the location of where the book is shelved in UMW Libraries.
Locations
A location of "Stacks" indicates items held in the main collection of Simpson Library. Call numbers beginning with letters A through L are located on the Third floor. Call numbers beginning with letters M through T are located on the Second floor. Call numbers beginning with the letters U through Z are on the First floor. Oversized books are located at the north end of the Second and Third floors. Books with a location of "Reference" or a call number beginning with REFB are located on the First floor, to the left of the Information Desk.
A location of "Stafford Campus" or "Stafford Stacks" indicates items held in the main collection of the CGPS Stafford Library.