QCAT and Summon FAQ

1. What is QCAT?
2. What is Summon?
3. I'm trying to do a title search but I can't seem to find anything...
4. I'm trying to do a keyword search but I can't seem to find anything...
5. How do I read a call number? How do I know where a call number is located?
6. I have no idea where to start! What should I do?

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A. QCAT is the Queen's Library Catalogue, a searchable database of all the resources held by the Queen's University Libraries.

A. Summon is a search engine which searches library holdings such as books, journals, music and government documents as well as articles in journals, newspapers and magazines subscribed to by Queen's University Library. For more information and FAQs on Summon, see the Summon page on the QUL website: Summon.

A. Make sure you are not entering any articles (e.g. 'the', 'a', etc.) at the beginning of the title. Usually entering only the first two or three words of the title will bring up the record or a browsable list of titles. For more suggestions visit the info desk at Stauffer Library or the library QCAT help page: QCAT Help.

A. Make sure you are entering 'and' between all of your keywords if you have selected "Keyword Boolean". The more keywords you include the more specific your search, leading to fewer search results. For a broad search keep the keywords to a minimum. For more suggestions visit the info desk at Stauffer Library or the library QCAT help page: QCAT Help.

A. When looking at a search result, first note which Library the item is located in and what type of resource it is (e.g. book, bound journal, microlog, etc.). The stacks are organized alphabetically and numerically using the Library of Congress Classification system (i.e. HN90.S6 H96 2008 comes before HS95.S6 H96 2008). Use the directories (in Stauffer Library the directory is located on the column next to the main information desk and on each floor beside the staircase) to find the call number for your book, or where other types of materials are located. You can also view the floor plans online: Queen's Library Floor Plans:

A. Check out Research by Subject on the library website to start your research. We also encourage you to come and visit the reference librarians at any of the campus libraries for more research help. Please note the hours of operation at each of the Queen's University Libraries: QUL Hours of Operation.