The local library catalogues must be checked. In most cases, the instructions are clearly presented on the screen. Before you go into a database, note the type of software you are using. You can always ask for help at the nearest Reference Desk. To activate any of the options, press the number corresponding to that option and follow the instructions at the bottom of the screen.
Most options are self-explanatory.
The major exceptions are Government Publications and Special Collections. Although the search commands may vary, all the databases use two basic techniques - truncation and Boolean operators. Truncation is the ability to search for all the variations of a word at the same time. MUST be inserted at the end of a word to obtain truncation for UMI software. The following examples should make things clear.