What Is The OPAC?
OPAC is your key to finding books and other materials in the library. When you are looking for a book you will find that knowing how to use OPAC properly will help you find the materials that you need.
Where Can I Find The OPAC? (only from the school site for now)
Use the OPAC to find books. It does not index magazines. If you want to search for a magazine, use Newsbank, which is linked on the front page of the Library pages.
Do I Need To Be A Skilled Computer User To Use The OPAC?
No! If you know what a computer mouse is, and you can use it to point and click, that is all the computer skill you need. In addition, assistance is always available in the library if you need help.
How Do I Conduct A Search On The OPAC?
There are five main ways you can search for books and media in the OPAC. They are as follows: EVERYTHING, TITLE, AUTHOR, SUBJECT, and SERIES.
Title Search
One of the most direct way to find a particular book is to use a title search. If you know the title of the book you want, type in its full title, or as much of it as you know, in the search box and then use your mouse to click on the “TITLE” box. If the library has that particular book it will appear in an alphabetical listing of titles. Click on the title you wish to view.
Author Search
Another specific search is an author search. This search will take you to an alphabetical listing of books by that author. Click on the title you wish to view.
Subject Search
A subject search can be a useful approach when you do not have a specific author or title in mind but you have a general idea of the topic you would like to research. For example, type in “acid rain” and then click on the search box for “SUBJECT”, you will be directed to an alphabetical listing of books. Click on the title of the book or the "Details" box. If you do not find material under the term you have used, try and think of alternative or related terms.
Everything Search
An “EVERYTHING” search can be must be
used
carefully because since the search is internet based, it will bring up
TOO much information.
Getting
Help In Using The OPAC
Whichever method you use, the OPAC is
the key to finding books in the library. If you have trouble using it,
remember that the OPAC has a built in “help” function which you can
access
by clicking on the “HELP” box. However, if you are still having trouble
finding what you need, ask the librarian for assistance.
DESTINY ON LINE CATALOG ENTRY GUIDE
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