CrossSearch is the Libraries' multi-search "discovery" tool. CrossSearch searches a cross-section of journal articles, newspapers, CDs, images, and many other types of resources available through the libraries. It is also our main library catalog -- the tool you use to find books, journals, and other items physically located in the library.
To search only items physically owned by the libraries, you can use the Catalog Only limit in CrossSearch.
Search Tips
If you are searching for a "known item" (that is, a title and/or author that you already know), remember:
Try searching for books using a very basic keyword search. Books tend to be on broad topics, so the terms you search with should be broad, too! Once you've found a few books that look interesting to you, you can use clues from the books to help you find other books. For example....
Did you know that it is also possible to browse in the library stacks?
The Holy Cross Libraries use a system called Library of Congress Classification (LCC) to organize our books. Each book or journal is identified by a unique call number. These call numbers identify the location of the book in our stacks; they also identify the subject (or the main subject if there are more than one) of the book or journal.
Because call numbers are subject-based, it is possible to physically view most of the books on a given topic in one area of the library. This means that it is possible to visit the stacks and browse the selection of materials on your topic.
Locate a book on your topic in the Libraries' catalog, and note the call number; this will tell you the area of the library where you should begin browsing. If your topic is complex or multidisciplinary, there may be more than one area that you should visit.
Books at Dinand Library are arranged by Library of Congress Call Number.
Use the handout below to guide you in understanding LCC and navigating the Dinand Stacks: