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

• COAST is CSULB Library's catalog. Use COAST to find books, e-books, videos, DVD's, CD's, audio books, government documents, reserves and more. 
• COAST will give you a call number and location. Write down this information and go find the item.
• Check the status of the item.  If it says "CHECK SHELF" the item is on the shelf.  If it says "DUE [date]" the item is checked out.  You can place a "Recall" on the item or check Link+ to get a copy more quickly.
• DO NOT use COAST to search for individual journal articles--use databases instead.
• How do I search COAST?
• Can I search other library catalogs?
• Can I browse? What are the Engineering Call numbers?
• How do I search for electronic books?
   

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

Author Search
Enter the author's name. Use the last name, first name.

Title Search
Do not use the initial article if common word (the, a).


Subject Search-Using Library of Congress Subject Headings

  -or-

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.

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   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.