ENGL 1101 Online: GIL-Find Catalog

• • • • • The GIL-Find Library Catalog: What it is and tips for searching
        • Basic search
        • Advanced search
        • Working with GIL-Find results
        • Finding the book (or other item) in the library
        • Placing a request for items at another campus
        • Searching University System of Georgia Libraries
        • Requesting from USG libraries with GIL Express

This box searches GSU library collections at all campuses.

Change the drop-down menu from "Georgia State University" to "University System of Georgia" to search all USG libraries.

Use the GIL-Find Library Catalog to find materials at all Georgia State University campus libraries, as well as materials from other University System of Georgia libraries.  

GIL-Find includes:

• Books
• Journals / Magazines / Newspapers by title
• DVDs 
• Audiobooks
• Music CDs
• Some electronic items such as e-books, streaming video, and journals.
• & More

Quick tips for searching the library catalog:

• Use the main words of your subject as search terms, not a whole sentence.
• If you are not finding enough results:
  • Try more general words as search terms (e.g. "flowers" instead of "daffodils")
  • Try synonyms (e.g. "cell phones" instead of "mobile phones")
  • Try connecting similar terms with OR (e.g. "Cell phone OR mobile phones")
  • Try using fewer search terms
• If you are getting too many results:
  • Try using the limiters on the left to refine your results. Especially consider format, date, and location.
  • Try using more specific search terms (e.g. "pit bulls" instead of "dogs")
  • Try adding additional search terms (e.g. "climate change and automobiles" instead of just "climate change")
• Omit A, An, and The when those words are the first word of a title.
• Some journal articles are included in the catalog, but for a more complete search for articles, use research databases.

Let's say you've decided to do some research about reducing anxiety during algebra tests.  Search terms might include:

Math  Algebra    Nervousness  Anxiety     Tests Exams

You experiment with several search terms and find the best results with Math AND Anxiety.  (You could also just put math anxiety as the search assumes you want both search terms unless you connect them with "OR.")

Your search looks like this: 

Sometimes the Basic Search isn't your best option and you will want to use Advanced Search.

Reasons to use Advanced Search include: 

• When you have an exact title or author 
• When you are researching a person as the subject of your research. (use the drop down to select "in subject")
• When you want to combine search terms to create complex searches

In the example below, you are searching for a book (or other item) that mentions math, algebra, or mathematics anywhere in the description, that has anxiety as a primary subject term, and is written by Marilyn Burns.

On the results page, you will see all the results. This may be too many or many not seem relevant.

• "Tweak My Results" contains limiters such as "Show Only," and "Format" to refine your results. 
• ​When you see an item you're interested in, click on the title to get information about the item's location, availability and more.
• Electronic items will contain an access link.

To find a book in the library, note its location and call number. If Call Numbers confuse you, you are not alone! Just ask a library employee for help.  (I've included a video below in case you're shy.)

If the item isn't at your library, you can usually request that it be delivered to the library most convenient to you. (See "Placing a Request.")

You can request a book or other item physically located at another campus by requesting an "Intercampus Loan."  This typically takes 1-3 business days.

Request books from other USG libraries by placing a "GIL Express Request." This typically takes 3-7 business days.

To place requests, sign into your account,  click "Request," then follow the prompts. Be sure you indicate the campus where you want to pick up the item.

After placing your request,  you can check your account to see the status of the request.  You should also get an email if the request is denied (for example, if the book is not found on the shelf) or when the book is available for pick up.

Find more books at other libraries in the University System of Georgia by expanding your search to "University System of Georgia."

Only books may be requested from other USG libraries. Electronic books, DVDs, and other non-book media are not included.

To request copies of articles from print journals and small portions of non-circulating books, place an Interlibrary Loan request.  You may also use Interlibrary Loan to request books not owned by USG libraries.

Quick Links

Use these tutorials to walk you through the steps of placing a request for a book from another library.