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How to Library!: Home

This is a quick guide to get you started with the libraries.

Welcome to the Libraries!

Welcome! If you are new to the libraries, this is a great place to begin!

On this page, you will find some quick links to library resources, upcoming workshops and events, and information about access our services remotely.

Get in touch!

Find your librarian!


Have a discipline-related question? Your librarian will be able to help you! Whether it is helping you get started on a project, or to troubleshoot your research, we are here to help you! You may also find it useful to consult library guides specific to your major, department, or college.


Not sure who to ask?


Check out our Ask Us page for frequently ask questions, access our live chat services, and our email us form.

 

Accessing and Finding Materials in the Library Catlogue

Searching the library catalog


From the CMU Library Homepage you can search for materials across the library system including books, music, dissertations, and journal articles.

Main search box on library home page

You can search by keywords, title, author or call number using the Advanced Search feature of the library catalog.

The results page will list CMU holdings and will be sorted by relevance by default.  You can sort by date, author, or title using the drop-down menu to the left of the search results. You can filter your results to only items available online to avoid seeing print books we only have in Pittsburgh. You can access any ebooks or other digital items from campus.

If the library doesn't have what you're looking for, consider Interlibrary Loan for access to non-CMU holdings.


Off-campus Access


When you access our resources via the library homepage, or any of our library websites, you should be automatically authenticated or asked to log in for full access. This will work for almost all of our resources!

Alternatively, you can use the VPN client as described on our Accessing the Library from Off-campus page.

If using the VPN to access the library, make sure you are using the Full VPN.

Screenshot of Cisco AnyConnect log in showing Full VPN versus Campus VPN dropdown menu

 

Problems with VPN access to library resources?

eresources@cmu.libanswers.com

Workshops and events