Skip to Main Content

HIST 299 Research Guide

"Legacy" Catalog USMAI

Catalog USMAI is the older search system listing books, government documents, periodical holdings (journals, magazines, newspapers), videos, audio materials, and other non-print items owned by FSU and the other University System of Maryland (USM) campuses and Affiliated Institutions. Catalog USMAI can't be used for searching specific articles.

At the Basic Search screen, use the pull-down menu to select the type of search you wish to conduct (word, author, title, etc.):
To find books about a subject, person, place, or event:

  • Word/s anywhere – Retrieves words, places and dates from the title, subject headings and other parts of the catalog record.  This type of search allows for the most flexible method of locating materials on a topic.

  • Subject beginning withThis type of search uses Library of Congress Subject headings and is very useful for narrowing broad topic areas, or browsing by subjects such as Mexico– History – 20th century

  • Subject word(s) - Type in a subject keyword to retrieve a list of books

At the Advanced Search Screen, you have multiple boxes with pull down menus for power searching. You can also limit your search to a specific format (book, dissertation, film/video, etc.) or a specific collection.

Borrowing Books from other USM Libraries using Request an Item

If you are a registered Library borrower, you may request that circulating materials from other USMAI Libraries be sent to the FSU Library for you to check out. To place a request for a book, follow these steps:

  1. Click on Choose Campus at the top of the screen.
  2. At the upper left, select the Catalog link under USMAI (all campuses).
  3. Conduct your search and click on the title of a desired book.
  4. Click on the Availability link next to all locations.
  5. Click on the Find It button or Request link on the next screen and follow the instructions.
  6. You will need to log in using the barcode number on your FSU ID card.

 

 

Find Official Library Subject Headings!

Knowing the official library subject headings for books on your topic can make library research easier using either Catalog USMAI or OneSearch.