Skip to Content
California State University, Long Beach
CSULB Library
Print this pageAdd this page to your favoritesSelect a font sizeSelect a small fontSelect a medium fontSelect a large font
 

Engineering Research Guide

""
How to Find Books
Engineering Research Guide : COAST : Electronic Resources : Site Index : Help

How do I Search COAST? (hints)
Keyword Search
Enter your keywords or terms.
Search keywords for computer and design.

Author Search
Enter the author's name. Use the last name, first name.Search the author field for Spiegel, Leonard.

Title Search

Do not use the initial article if common word (the, a).
Search title field for Mechanical design of robots.

Subject Search-Using Library of Congress Subject Headings
Search subject using Microprocessors -- Programming.

-or-
Search subject field for Building -- Handbooks, Manuals, etc.

Hints for Use:

  • Click "Repeat search in Link+" to search 30+ libraries and get books in 2-4 days.
  • Use Boolean operators AND, OR, NOT to build your search. Make sure you words are spelled correctly. Capitalization does not matter.
  • The truncation symbol is the asterisk * (comput* searches computer, computers, computing, etc.)
  • Use Limits to limit your search by year of publication, type of material, publisher, language or location of material (i.e. general book stacks, government documents).

Printing Results
1.) Check the boxes on the left for the records you want to print.
2.) Be sure to click the "Save Marked Records" button before you go to the next page.
3.) After marking all records, click on "Export Saved Records."
4.) To print, click on "Screen" and click submit.  The records are then formatted for printing.
5.) Go to File, select Print in the Browser menu.

Emailing/Saving Results
1.) Check the boxes on the left for the records you want to email/save. 
2.) Be sure to click the "Save Marked Records" button before you go to the next page.
3.) After marking all records, click on "Export Saved Records."
4.) To email, enter your email address. Change the subject line if you want. Click Submit.
5.) To save, click on "Local disc" and click submit.  A dialog box will open and ask you where you want to save the text file.  Select floppy drive if you want to save it to disc and change the name of the file if you want.

Did you find the books and materials you are interested in?
If not, search other library catalogs:

  • Link+: Search for books from 30+ libraries. Simply "Request Item" and pick up book at Circulation desk in 2-4 days.
  • CSU Library Catalog: Search all of the CSU libraries. Request materials using Illiad or travel to the institution to use materials. (Note: In general, all CSU libraries extend student loan privileges to members of the CSULB community.)
  • MELVYL: Search the University of California System.  Request materials using Illiad or travel to the institution to use materials. (Note: Faculty are eligible for library cards at no cost at most UC library; Students can purchase an annual library card at reduced rates)
  • WorldCat: Search a comprehensive database of books, proceedings, symposia, monographs, and journal holdings of libraries worldwide.  Request materials using Illiad.

Want to browse the stacks?
Major Library of Congress Classification headings and call numbers.  You can also search COAST by call number and browse the online catalog.

Q Science
Q180 Operations Research
Q 300-390 Artificial intelligence
QA Mathematics
QA 75-76 Computer science
QA801-939 Analytical/Fluid mechanics
QC Physics
QD Chemistry
QE Geology
R Medicine
R856-857 Biomedical Engineering
T Technology
T55.4-60.8 Industrial engineering
T385 Computer graphics
TA Engineering (general), Civil engineering
TA 349-359 Mechanics of engineering
TA 401-492 Materials of engineering, construction
TA 630-820 Structural engineering, geotechnical engineering

TC Hydraulic engineering
TD Environmental engineering
TE Highway engineering
TF Railroad engineering, operations
TG Bridge engineering
TH Building construction
TJ Mechanical engineering, machinery
TJ163 Power resources
TJ210.2-225 Robotics
TK Electrical engineering, electronics, nuclear engineering
TK5101-6720 Telecommunications
TK 7800-8360 Electronics
TL Motor vehicles, Aeronautics, Astronautics
TN Mining engineering, metallurgy
TP Chemical technology
TS Manufacturing
VM Naval architecture. Marine engineering

 

How do I search for Electronic Books?

Search COAST.  Type in your keywords and select "e-book" using the "Material Type" menu. Click Submit.

-or-
Search our e-book collections such as NetLibrary, Safari Tech Books Online, or Oxford Reference Online.

Glossary of Library Terms
What is a Call Number?
A book's call number is like a house's address.  It will help you find the book within the library.  For example, after searching COAST, you find a book with the call number "3rd floor HV 8280.AS O24." To find the book go to the 3rd floor (West side) then look at the end of the book shelves until you find HV.  Follow the HV's until you find 8280.  Then look carefully for your item.
Note: Check the Library's Map for floor layout.
Note: To learn more, use the Call Number Tutorial from Florida Atlantic University.

What is Link+?
Use Link+ to search for books in the collection of 30+ libraries.  Click the Repeat search in Link+. button at the top of the COAST screen after running your search.  If you find a book you are interested in click the Request this item link.  Select CSU Long Beach from the pull down menu when it asks "With which institution are you affiliated with?" click Submit.  Enter your name and ID number and click Submit.  Pick up your book in 3-5 days at the Circulation Desk on the First floor.  Check the status of your request using My Library Record.
Note: You can only search for books not journal articles (use ILLiad for all other materials).

What is Illiad?
Illiad (InterLibrary Loan Internet Accessible Database) is a FREE electronic request system to get materials from libraries across the country that are not here at CSULB. Use Illaid to request journal articles, books, conference proceedings, dissertation, etc. 
1.) Simply log in to ILLiad with your ID number and Library Password.
2.) Request materials online using your citation or bibliographic information you find searching a database or elsewhere. 
3.) In 5-10 days you will receive an email message that your materials have arrived with directions to log back into Illiad to pick it up.  Generally, if you requested a journal article or conference proceeding, the item will be scanned and posted on the Internet.  If you requested a book or dissertation you can pick it up at the ILLiad desk on the Lower Level.
Note: Use Illiad at the Beach FAQ's for more information.

What is a government document?
A government document is any publication issued by an agency of the government.  It includes local, state, or federal government.  It may be in any format including print, web page, microfilm, etc.  Use COAST to find government documents and click on the link in the COAST record or write down the location and SuDoc number.  Government documents are organized by SuDoc number.

What are Library of Congress Subject Headings?
Library of Congress Subject Headings are terms used to describe what a book or item is about.  Librarians create subject headings using subdivisions.  It can be helpful to browse the subject headings in COAST.  We also have 5 large red Subject Heading books behind the Reference Desk on the 1st Floor.

What is an e-book?
An e-book or electronic book is a book that has been posted on the Internet.  CSULB pays to have access to most of these items and they can be found in COAST or searched using NetLibrary,Safari Tech Books Online, or Oxford Reference Online. They can be access from both on and off-campus.

 

Content maintained by Hema Ramachandran, Engineering Librarian