UKZN Library ilink | University of KwaZulu-Natal

Advanced search

Click Advanced Search below the Quick search box or from the grey toolbar Combine search elements using AND, OR, NOT, or XOR.

Everything, author, title, subject, series, journal title, call number and ISBN searches may be combined. There are more search options in Advanced Search than basic search:

•Type Everything for a keyword search

•Type an Author to search for a name. Search for an author by the first name, last name, or initials. However, searching by an author’s last name produces a more complete list of search results

•Type a Title to search for an item by title. The search ignores articles (‘the’, ‘a’, ‘an’) as well as other stop words

•Type a Subject to search the subject index

•Type a Series to search for a series title

•Type a Journal Title to search the journal index.

Limiting the search in the Advanced search option

•Select a Library to limit a search to a specific branch [e.g. Pietermaritzburg campus Main Library is called Cecil Renaud (Main) Library], or select ALL to search in all UKZN branches

•If a specific language is required, select a Language

•Select Item category, to narrow your search to resources in a specific format [e.g. Video/DVD, Thesis/ Dissertation, map]

•Click Search to start your search.

Browsing

•You may browse (view a results list by headings rather than full details) by selecting theBrowse option from the home page, putting in the search terms, selecting the library and then clicking on the appropriate tab OR

•Click Browse under Catalogue Searches on the right of the Advanced Search box to browse on author, title, subject, series, periodical title, or Dewey number.

•Select a Library to limit a search to a specific branch [e.g. Pietermaritzburg campus Main Library is called Cecil Renaud (Main) Library, or select ALL to search in all UKZN branches]

•Click Call no on the right of the Advanced Search box to search for a specific shelf location/call number

•Select a Library to limit a search to a specific branch, or select ALL to include all the libraries of UKZN in the search

•A specific item type may be selected from the item type box

•A call number search can be limited to a library or area of a library by using the Locationbox.

Searching tips

•Keyword searches display all records that contain the search term(s) and searches all options/indexes. Other choices search specific options/ indexes such as author, title, or subject.

•To search for a phrase use square brackets ( e.g. [knowledge management])

•The question mark (?) may represent a single character (e.g wom?n)

•The dollar sign ($) may represent multiple characters at the end of a search term (e.g. program$ may retrieve programme, programs, programming).

•Click on the Help button for more information on searching.

Using My Library Record

In My Library Record, information about current library transactions can be viewed, personal identification numbers (PIN) and addresses can be changed, and checked-out materials can be renewed.

•Log in from the Search/Home page, or under My Library Record. Your ID is your student/staff number and a PIN must be allocated which must be used every time you log in.

•Type in your Library ID and PIN and click on the Login button.

•Click on My Library Record.

The following are the options available:

Review my Library Record

•Click Review My Library Record. Log in, if required.

Here, books borrowed (checkouts), renewed items that have been checked out, material overdue, fines, messages and requests from the library, replies to library messages may be viewed. You may also renew library material.

•Click Change My Address.

•Log in, if required.

•Type in the new address information and user ID. (This ID appears automatically after logging in.

•Click Send to change an address or Reset to start over.

Renew my materials

•Log in required

•Select the Select Items to Renew or Renew All check boxes

•If selected items are being renewed, select the check box next to the items to be renewed

•Click Renew Selected Items to renew materials, or click Clear Selections to start over.

Create/change your PIN

•Log in required

•Enter your PIN in the two blocks provided.

NB: Don’t forget to click on Log out on the tool bar after finishing using My Account.

Click on Help or, or ask a librarian if you have difficulties with iLink.

Academic Reserves

To search Academic Reserves

•Click on Academic Reserves from the toolbar below the main heading on the front page

•In the Search For box, type the lecturer name, course number, or course name

•Then click the appropriate search option ( Lecturer, Course Number, or Course Name) given below the search box to display the item or list of items placed on reserve

•Select the particular Academic Reserves desk to search (Pietermaritzburg Main Library etc.). Select ANY to search under all reserves desks at all UKZN Libraries