Skip to Main Content

Using the Library

Explains how to borrow items, manage your account, and get research help
Chat loading...

Library Semester Break Hours

Monday - Thursday 8:30 am - 7 pm
Friday - Saturday 8:30 am - 5 pm
Sundays and Statutory Holidays Closed      

604-683-8360 ext. 253

Ask a question by email or make an appointment to talk to a librarian on teams.
library@columbiacollege.ca    

Finding Books & eBooks

To search for books, use keywords that might appear in the title, summary or subjects of a book.

Advanced Search

 

1. Go to the library's homepage.

2. Scroll down and click on Find Materials.

3. Click on Find Books and eBooks.

4. Enter keywords related to your topic or the title of a book & hit search.

5. Use the options on the left-hand side to limit to books (which will only include print books) or eBooks.

Tips:
  • Start simple. Try using just one or two keywords to start.
  • Search using a broad term to start. Ex: Racism instead of "Racial Profiling." If you get too many results, use narrower terms
  • Combine synonyms and related keywords with OR to get more results
  • Combine keywords representing different concepts with AND to get more specific results

When you want to find a specific book....

  • Try searching by the book's title only. If you get many results, try adding the author's or editor's name to your search

How do I find books on the shelf?

 

All of the books in the library have a call number. When you search the library for books, the call number appears under "Shelf Location."

Shows where to find the call number in the library catalogue

The call number is the book's address. Books are arranged on the shelf by call number, from smallest to largest number.

Call numbers must be read in sequence:

  • 333.790911 comes before 333.8 on the shelf
  • Books are arranged alphabetically next: 333.8 CLA comes before 333.8 SMI

Each book has a label on it, with its call number:

Photograph of books on the shelf