In order to find books, you will use a research tool called a library catalog.
Library catalogs contain information on items owned by a library.
Each item, whether it is a book, a journal, videotape, etc., has a record in the library catalog which contains information about that resource, including the title, author, subject, location, and call number. In addition, the online catalog tells you whether or not the item is checked out. One of the great benefits of online library catalogs is that they are often accessible via the Internet. You can then begin your research before stepping foot in the library by searching the library catalog from home or work. It is important to understand that although a library catalog will tell you if a library owns a particular journal, magazine, or newspaper, the catalog will not tell you about the articles in these periodicals.