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New to HSL? Quick Tips: Finding Books

Quick tips to get you started using library space, services and resources.

Created by Health Science Librarians

Does the library have this book?

If you have the title or author of a specific book, you can use the search box on the HSL homepage and search for it. Make sure to click on the word "Catalog" to select that search options from the 4 that are available. Here we’ve searched for Netter's Concise Radiologic Anatomy.

Catalog

It looks like there are two records for this book. One record says "Online access." That means the library owns it as an ebook. The second record has a call number—that means that the library owns it as a print book. Notice that these two records are not for the same edition of the book: the ebook is the 2014 edition, while the print book is the 2009 edition. It's not always true that the ebook version is newer than the print version, though, so be sure to check if you need a specific edition of the book for class.

screenshot with request button, call number of print book, and link to ebook highlighted

How do I access an ebook?

To access the ebook version of a book, you can click on the link that says "Full text available via the UNC-Chapel Hill Libraries", like the link highlighted in the image above. In some cases, you may be asked to enter your Onyen in order to access the book.

How do I find a print book?

The catalog record of a print book tells you what UNC library the book is found in, and what the call number is. For example, Netter's Concise Radiologic Anatomy is at the Health Sciences library, and the call number is WN 17 W373n 2009.

The Health Sciences Library shelves materials by type and year. Books published from 1990 to the present are shelved on the 3rd floor, so that is where you would find this book. To learn more about where the Health Sciences Library shelves different kinds of materials, see Arrangement of Collections.

What if the book I want is at another library on campus (not the Health Sciences Library)?

If you don't have the time to go across campus to another library, you can request your book through Carolina BLU. Just click the Request button with the truck icon to the right of the catalog record. You can see it highlighted in the image above.

The first time you use Carolina BLU you will be prompted to create an Interlibrary Loan account. Create your ILL account now to save time later.

What if the library doesn't own the book I'm looking for?

If the library doesn't own the book you're looking for, you can request it through Interlibrary Loan.