How do I ... ?
Find library materials
Books | Articles | Course Reserves | Dissertations and theses | Databases | Maps | Videos and other recordings | Items not in PONI
Books
- Use the SMU Libraries catalog.
- Basic title, author, and keyword searches are available from the main page and the Basic Search screen.
- The Advanced Search screen provides multiple fields, Boolean operators, and many options for limiting a search.
- There are Help pages throughout the catalog.
Articles
- The PONI catalog does not contain articles.
- To search for articles, use an online database such as those listed under Most Frequently Used on the main SMU Online Resources page.
- When searching for articles, there are many databases and print resources from which to choose. Many of these have different structures and features. For help with selecting and using an online database or print index, please Ask A Librarian.
Course Reserves
- The libraries offer both print and electronic course reserves. Print reserves must be requested from the circulation or reserves desk of the library; electronic reserves (e-reserves) may be downloaded as pdf files using an Acrobat reader.
- To find reserves, go to the library catalog, select Course Reserves, and select some search options. It is not necessary to select something for each search option.
- On the PONI record for an e-reserve, click the Electronic Document link to access the full text. You may be asked to log in.
Dissertations and Theses
- Dissertations and theses are not shelved together in a single area.
- With the exception of Southwest Graduate School of Banking theses, all theses and dissertations are cataloged in the library catalog.
- SMU dissertations submitted after 2002 are available as online full text from Digital Dissertations.
Databases
Maps
- To search for maps, go to the Advanced Search screen in the library catalog, select Maps, Atlases, Globes under Type of Material, and enter search terms. Terms should reflect the kind of map you want and the region (for example, geology and Louisiana).
- Most recent maps are in the library catalog. The pre-1985 maps that are not in the online catalog can be found in the card catalog in the Edwin J. Foscue Map Library. For further assistance, contact the Edwin J. Foscue Map Library at 214-768-2285.
Videos and other recordings
- From the library catalog Basic Search screen, select Videos or Musical Sound Recordings in the Limit To field before submitting your search.
- Recordings are held at various libraries on the campus. Be sure to check the location information in the library catalog record for the item you have found.
- For help finding other media not covered on this page, please Ask A Librarian.
Items not in the library catalog
Books | Articles | Course Reserves | Dissertations and theses | Databases | Maps | Videos and other recordings | Items not in the library catalog
