Archive |
Director’s Reflections...How Do We Keep Track of It All?In my last HSLS Update column (February 2006), I summarized some of the replies to the library’s Web-based survey in October 2005. In response to users’ wish to streamline registration for remote access to HSLS electronic resources, we are introducing an instant registration and authentication system, described on the first page of this issue. Though most survey respondents were familiar with the electronic resources listed on the HSLS Web site, many also wondered how they could find information about the library’s entire print and electronic collection, not just what’s available online. The answer to this is easy: PITTCat for the Health Sciences<http://pittcat.hsls.pitt.edu>. This database contains information about nearly 5 million books, journals, and other items held in all University of Pittsburgh libraries. Though information about individual journal articles can’t be found in PITTCat, it does have a record for every print or electronic book or journal that we own, license, or have on order. Many records include table of content information, enabling users to search for specific book chapters. Every PITTCat record contains essential elements of identifying information and is organized in the same way. The PITTCat record is created when an item is ordered and tracks receipt, location, and circulation. By clicking on "New Items," you can see what’s been added in the last few weeks. The record remains in PITTCat until the item is withdrawn from the library. It’s safe to say that if there is no listing in PITTCat for an item, we don’t have it. (Reminder-- if the library doesn’t have an item, we can obtain it for you through document delivery.) If you know what item you are looking for, you can search by title, journal title, author or call number. You can limit your search to a specific library, format, (e.g., videorecording, book, etc.) or language. Records for electronic books or journals allow you to link directly to the content wherever you see the green Connect! icon. If you’re not looking for a specific item, you can search by subject heading or keyword. Because PITTCat is a very large and complex database, it can be challenging for users to locate a specific item. Take a minute to read the basic search help at the bottom of the main search page, where you will find straightforward instructions and examples for different types of searches. If you’re still perplexed, call the reference desk at any HSLS library, <www.hsls.pitt.edu/services/reference/refhours> or send a message to medlibq@pitt.edu. |
