Searching Tips

Tips for Choosing Schools

  • Select schools based on proximity to our location.
  • Do not choose schools in California unless they are the only US options remaining. California libraries often charge more than others.
  • Use caution when requesting from schools with a code longer than three letters. When in doubt, check the policies directory to be certain this is a library and not a purchasing means.
  • Use DLC (Library of Congress) and CRL (Center for Research Libraries) as last resorts.
    • When requesting from DLC enter the OCLC symbol 5 times.

OCLC Searching Tips

  1. In the OCLC tab, click on the “Type” drop-down menu and “Select All.” Retry your search (based on keyword, scan title, etc.).
    OCLC Type
  2. Click on the magnifying glass icon next to the Scan Title field. Find the correct title (or at least part of it) and double-click on it.
    Magnifying Glass
  3. Click on the magnifying glass icon next to the Derived field, ISxN field (if it’s filled in), etc. until the correct title appears.
  4. Return to the Detail tab and copy the title into WorldCat, Google, or Amazon to try to find more details about the material. (For example, if you locate an ISBN number, return to the OCLC search tab and enter that in the ISxN field.)
  5. If the book or article was published in Europe, try filling the lending string with BRI (the British Library) entered five times, even if they don’t appear as a lender. Occasionally they will reply with search tips on European items that are difficult to find.
  6. If, after exhausting all possible searches, the title still doesn’t appear in OCLC, route the request to Awaiting Extended Searching.

Finding Newspapers

  • Check the Library of Congress Chronicling America site for holdings by title
    • If the newspaper was published before 1836, click the US Newspaper Directory, 1690-present to search search for the title or browse
  • Check the Center for Research Libraries holdings.
  • Searching the resources listed on the Clemson Libraries History LibGuide Digital Archvies list.
  • Check state libraries and local historical societies in the area where the newspaper was published.

Finding Theses/Dissertations

  • Check the ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database or search the thesis/dissertation title in OneSearch to see if we own the full text.
  • If it is from a British university, check EthOS
    • Go to EthOS, then search for the thesis. If found, log in with the cuill@nullclemson.edu and the password tigers. on the thesis record, click “Choose pricing/delivery.” Choose the free download option. Follow on-screen instructions to download a zip file. In the window that appears, select the file and click “Extract to.” Chose your download location and save the file. This PDF can now be emailed directly to the patron.