====== About BISON ====== BISON (Buffalo Information System ONline) is the Catalog of items in the University at Buffalo Libraries. Use BISON to identify and locate books, journals (titles only, not individual articles), government documents, music scores, maps, manuscripts, audiovisual materials, microforms and electronic resources in the UB Libraries and on the Internet. BISON is available 24 hours a day at http://bison.buffalo.edu/. BISON works best with the current version of Internet Explorer on a PC platform. Using other browsers and operating systems may result in some loss of functions. See **[[searching_tips#Tips / Hints|Tips / Hints]]**
Return to top of page
====== Advanced Search ====== The **Advanced** search page offers a link to **Browse an Alphabetical List** (of several indexes) and a keyword search option with multiple search fields and sidebar options for narrowing the search. Here you can combine terms in different fields by using [[searching_tips#Boolean Search|Boolean operators]] such as **AND**, **OR** and **NOT**.
Return to top of page
====== Annex ====== The Library Annex is located off campus and houses low volume materials. If the item you need is listed as in the **Libraries Annex**, go to the appropriate [[http://libweb1.lib.buffalo.edu/help/helpa-z2.asp?search=annex&anyallexact=all|form]] to request it. Often the item is delivered to campus or your email box withing one business day. City Directories stored in the UB Libraries’ Annex are too fragile to handle and will no longer be retrieved for use. Please use the microfilm or microfiche editions located in the Capen Multimedia Center.
Return to top of page
====== At Bindery ====== If the item you need is listed as **At Bindery**, go to the appropriate [[http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/forms/cat/services.html|form]] to request it.
Return to top of page
====== Barcode ====== If you have the barcode and need to locate item information, use [[searching_tips#Expert Search|Expert search]]. Use the format: //bar =39072029733452//.
Return to top of page
====== Basic Search ====== Basic Search offers a variety of search and browse choices from the pull-down menus. All keyword searches can use [[searching_tips#Boolean Search|Boolean operators]]. ^Search ^Examples ^Notes^ | Keywords |"peace bridge" history|Looks for the phrase **"peace bridge"** and the word **history** in any field in any order. | ^|Title begins with...|tale of two cities|Searches an alphabetical list of all titles and variant titles beginning with the words entered.| ^|Title Keywords|work genius\\ \\ (education* or school) and law|Searches for the words anywhere in the title or variant fields, regardless of the order in which they appear.| ^|Author\\ (last name first)|blake william\\ american sociological society|Searches an alphabetical list of authors (personal and corporate).| ^|Author Keywords|william blake\\ socio* society|Searches for the name anywhere in the author fields, regardless of order.| ^|Call Number\\ begins with...|hf5383\\ kf261\\ qa76|Searches the call number index. For additional tips, see [[searching_tips#Call Number Search|Call Number Search]].| ^|Subject\\ begins with...|pan american exposition\\ urban renewal|Searches an alphabetical list of the subject headings beginning with the words entered.| ^|Subject Keywords|buffalo university\\ "plastics recycling"|Searches for the words or phrase you enter anywhere in the subject fields.| ^|MeSH Keywords|cerebrovascular accident\\ "delivery of health care"|Searches for the words or phrase anywhere in the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).|
Return to top of page
====== Basket ====== If you want to save your search records for later use, you can store them in your library Basket. In order to save these records, you must be logged in to My Library Card. Items added to the Basket when you are not logged in to My Library Card, will disappear when your session ends. To view records in the Basket, click Basket from the top menu bar.
Return to top of page
====== Blocks ====== If there is a block on your account, you will not be able to renew or check out books. Your account may be blocked for a number of reasons, including non-return of books, failure to return recalled items, non-payment of fines, address correction needed or not currently enrolled. You can see if you have a block when you log in to **My Library Card**. For more information, contact a circulation desk.
Return to top of page
====== Boolean Search ====== The Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT can be used to combine words or phrases in **keyword searches**. Use AND to require that both words are present. Use OR to require that at least one of the words is present. Use NOT to require that the first and not the second word is present. Note: * The system assumes that all words are combined with AND if no operator is present and if you do not enclose any part of the search in parentheses. * Use parentheses to group terms logically: * (rodgers or hammerstein) and musical * (spine or spinal) and (stenosis or arthritis)
Return to top of page
====== Browse Search ====== The Browse function enables you to search the catalog in alphabetical or numerical order, like a dictionary. You can browse backwards and forwards in your results list. This type of search is most useful for a “known item,” such as a title or author name. You can do a Browse search from the Advanced Search page. You can also do a browse search from the Basic Search page by selecting one of the following: \\ Title begins with…\\ Author (last name first)\\ Call number begins with…\\ Subject begins with\\ Medical Subject begins with…\\ NOTE: * The Subject browse should be chosen only if the exact Library of Congress or the Medical Subject Heading is known. * In a Call Number browse search it is important to click on the title to find the **Library Location** of the item
Return to top of page
====== Browsers, Recommended ====== BISON works best with the current version of Internet Explorer on a PC platform. Using other browsers and operating systems may result in some loss of functions.
Return to top of page
====== Call Number Search ====== Call number searches work best in **Browse an Alphabetical List**. Select the type of call number from the drop-down menu and enter either the whole call number, or the first letters and numbers. You must leave spaces between combinations of letters and numbers. A period is treated as a space. Examples: QA76 .B4, hf5383 b466 Searching for a SuDoc or other government document by call number can only be done when selecting **Call Nos.(Govt. Doc.)** from the drop-down menu. Note: Call Number searches can be imprecise. You can also use Expert search to locate items by call numbers. ^Search examples ^Notes^ |CNA=HQ784 |Searches all call numbers for those beginning with the terms entered. Full class number must be entered (letters plus numbers). Watch the spacing: CNA=Z699 will result in different hits than CNA=Z 699. \\ Government document numbers can be problematic.| ^|LCI=NC1766|Searches all [[http://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/lcco/|Library of Congress]] call numbers for those beginning with the terms entered. Full class number must be entered (letters plus numbers).| ^|MSH=Q141|Searches all [[http://www.nlm.nih.gov/class/OutlineofNLMClassificationSchedule.html|National Library of Medicine]] call numbers for those beginning with the terms entered. Full class number must be entered (letters plus numbers).| ^|WCK=micfilm|Searches all call numbers for certain textual words. \\ See[[http://law.lib.buffalo.edu/about/cataloging/manual/location-codes.asp#subfield-k|list of textual words to search]].| ^|WLC=HQ784 \\ WLC=HQ78?|Does a keyword search of all parts of all call numbers in the catalog. Can be truncated. Watch the spacing: WLC=Z699 will result in different hits than WLC=Z 699.|
Return to top of page
====== Check Availability ====== On this page you can: * view a summary of volumes owned by the Libraries (for example: number of volumes of a journal or serial) * see if an item is available for check out * place a [[searching_tips#Recall an item|Recall]]
Return to top of page
====== Closed Stacks ====== Closed Stacks items are stored in restricted areas of the Arts & Sciences Libraries due to their special research value. These materials do not circulate and must be used in the Special Collections Research Room in 420 Capen Hall. Circulation staff and reference librarians do not have access to the Closed Stacks. Use this [[http://library.buffalo.edu/libraries/forms/closed-stacks.html|form]] if you have searched the BISON Catalog and the item you need is noted as "LOCKWOOD Closed Stacks" or "SEL/ENGR Closed Stacks". ====== Combine Results ====== To combine the results of previous searches, click on **[[searching_tips#Recent Searches|Recent Searches]]**. Choose which previous searches you want to combine and click on **Combine**. Select the way in which you want the searches combined, and then click **GO**. * **And** requires both search terms to be included. * **Or** requires at least one search term to be included. * **First set not second** will include items found in set number 1 and exclude all items found in set number 2. * **Second set not first** will include all items found in set number 2 and exclude all items in set number 1. See Also [[searching_tips#Modify|Modify]]
Return to top of page
====== Comments / Suggestions ====== We appreciate any feedback you may have in regards to the Searching Tips for the BISON catalog. To submit comments and/or suggestions, please use this [[http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/forms/contactus.html|form]].
Return to top of page
====== Conferences ====== To limit your search to conference publications in the UB Libraries, select Conference in the Format drop-down menu on the Advanced Keyword Search screen. Conference titles are rarely standard, so it is best to combine terms regarding the organization and the name of the conference together in a keyword search; for example, IEEE and automation.
Return to top of page
====== Ebook Library (EBL) ====== Access to this subscription-based resource is restricted to current UB students, staff, and faculty. Both on- and off-campus access requires a UBITName and password. ====== E-mail Results ====== To Email records: * Select each record that you wish to save or email * Click on the **Save/Mail** option * Complete the form that displays, filling in the email address line * Click **Go**
Return to top of page
====== EndNote ====== To import records using the EndNote format: * Select the records you wish to save * Click on **Save/Mail** * On the **Select Predefined Format** pull-down menu, choose **MARC Tags Format(EndNote)**. * Click on **Go** Details about EndNote are at [[http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/endnote.html]]. BISON EndNote connection and filter files can be downloaded at[[http://libweb.lib.buffalo.edu/endnote/endNote_filters.asp]]
Return to top of page
====== Error ====== If you have searched the BISON Catalog and you have noticed what you think is: a spelling error, an incorrect call number, a library location error, or other type of inaccuracy, please use the [[http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/forms/cat/problem.html|BISON Catalog Problem form]] to report the error.
Return to top of page
====== Expert Search ====== The Expert search in BISON uses CCL (Common Command Language) phrases to allow maximum control over searching. To use CCL, type a three-letter code with an equal sign and then your search term (wga=georgia) in the search box. Consult the abbreviations and full list of codes used in CCL [[http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/help/longccl.html|here]]. \\ To use Expert Search for call numbers, see [[searching_tips#Call Number Search|Call Number Search.]]
Return to top of page
====== Foreign Characters and Special Diacritics ====== The catalog records in BISON are encoded in the Unicode character set. Unicode allows for the display of a large range of alphabets and diacritics (also known as accent marks) and special characters. **Displaying non-Roman Characters** If strange characters appear in some of the BISON records, change your browser display as follows: From the Internet Explorer Web browser menu bar, select VIEW > ENCODING > MORE, then select the correct language. Other Web browsers may use different menu paths or terminology. Use your browser help for more information.
Return to top of page
====== Format ====== BISON allows you to to limit your search to a specific format (book, video, serial, map etc.). Choose one of the following: * Select Advanced, use Advanced Keyword boxes to type in your terms and use the pull-down menu at the right to select a format. * When viewing search results, select [[searching_tips#Modify|Modify Search]] and limit your search to specific formats.
Return to top of page
====== Full View of Record ====== When you click on a title of an item after doing a search, you will be looking at the full bibliographic record. From here you can * Click on **Check Availability** to see if the book is available * Follow links to available online information * Add the record to a **[[searching_tips#Basket|Basket]]** * **Save/Mail ** the record * Click on //**[[searching_tips#ILLIAD Request|ILLIAD Request]]**// to request the item from the Annex or from another library location
Return to top of page
====== ILLIAD Request====== This button is available on the top of the screen when you are looking at a catalog record. Clicking it will take you to a page with options for requesting the item. If the item is listed as **On Shelf**, you can retrieve it yourself. If the book is located in a UB library on the campus opposite to your department or it is in the Annex, use the [[http://ulilliad.lib.buffalo.edu/illiad/|ILLiad form]]. The item will be delivered to your selected library.
Return to top of page
====== In Preservation ====== If the item you need is listed as **In Preservation**, go to the [[http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/forms/cat/services.html|form]] to request it.
Return to top of page
====== In Process ====== If the item you need is listed as **In Process**, go to the [[http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/forms/cat/services.html|form]] to request it.
Return to top of page
====== In Storage ====== If the item you need is listed as **In Storage** and you want the Libraries staff to make the items available for you, go to the [[http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/helpAZ/instorage.html|form]] to request it.
Return to top of page
====== Incomplete Issues ====== If the item you need is listed as **Incomplete Issues**, go to the [[http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/forms/cat/services.html|form]] to request it.
Return to top of page
====== ISSN / ISBN Number Search ====== ISSN and ISBN number searching are available in Advanced Search or from the Browse an Alphabetical List. You must select the appropriate term (ISSN or ISBN) from the drop-down menu. ISSN example: 0022-4537; or 0954-349X For an ISSN search, enter all eight digits including the hyphen. When doing your search be sure to include all leading zeroes. ISBN example: 0871138018 For an ISBN search, you should enter all ten digits with no hyphens. When doing your search be sure to include all leading zeroes.
Return to top of page
====== Journals ====== The Journals tab allows you to limit your search to journal or serial titles, including newspapers. You can also do a journal search in Basic or Advanced. After choosing **Title begins with** from the drop-down menu, type the title of the journal. Example: Buffalo Law Review. To determine what we own in a journal title, use the information in Summary Holdings after clicking on **Check Availability**, //**PLUS**// look at the list of individual items to see which current (unbound) items have been received. To determine what we own in a print newspaper collection, check the shelf if individual issues are not recorded in the catalog entry. To determine what we own in a microfilm collection, use the information in **Summary Holdings** after clicking on **Check Availability**. If you need to find articles from journals, click on **Resources by Subject** from the Libraries' home page and select a journal database in the appropriate discipline.
Return to top of page
====== Kelley Collection ====== The //[[http://libweb.lib.buffalo.edu/kelley/index.php|George Kelley Paperback and Pulp Fiction Collection]]// has approximately 25,000 pulp fiction books and magazines. The Collection is housed in the Special Collections Research Room in 420 Capen Hall (inside the library). The Collection is open for research but must be used in house. For retrieval of material, please use the [[http://libweb.lib.buffalo.edu/kelley/aboutthiscollection/requestform.php|request form]].
Return to top of page
====== Keyword Search ====== A **Keyword** search looks for words in any field or in a field you specify, as in a **Title Keyword** search. Use a Keyword search when: * you are looking for books on a certain topic, but do not know the subject heading for the topic. * you know a word, or some words, from the title, author, etc. * you are looking for words listed in the contents notes You can do a **Keyword** search from the **Basic Search** page, or from the **Advanced Search** page. The **Advanced Search** page offers multiple windows.
Return to top of page
====== Language, Search by ====== To limit to a particular language, click **Advanced** and use the pull-down menu to choose a language. Not all available languages are listed. To find items in languages not listed, try the following: * Select Expert on the search page and create a command language search using WLN= xxx where xxx is the language code (usually the first three letters of the language name. [[http://www.loc.gov/marc/languages/language_code.html|Consult the list of language codes.]] e.g., //wln=est and drama// will find plays written in Estonian.
Return to top of page
====== Limit a Search ====== You can limit your search in a number of ways. While creating your search you can: * use **Advanced Search** and limit by language, year published, format or library location. * select **Journals** to limit to journals, newspapers and other serials After you have run a search, you can limit your results by selecting **Modify Search**. You can combine previous searches using **Recent Searches**.
Return to top of page
====== Log In ====== **Log In** is not required to search the BISON Catalog, but will allow you to see your personal information, including books checked out to you. Log In to BISON using your UBIT name and password. For password problems and assistance, please contact the CIT Help Desk. Log In for Guests of the UB Libraries is available only on computers in the Libraries. See Services for Libraries' Visitors and Guests for more information. Please be sure to **Log Out** when done to prevent your personal information from being accessible to others.
Return to top of page
====== Modify ====== **Modify** is a way to further limit your search. Click **Modify Search** on the results list page. You can narrow or broaden your search using the Boolean operator buttons and entering a word or phrase. Additional limits in the panel include language, date, format and location.
Return to top of page
====== My Library Card ====== Use My Library Card by logging in to BISON with your UBIT name and password.* My Library Card is a feature in BISON which enables you to: * View **items on loan**. * To see which books you have checked out, click on the number next to **Items on Loan**. * Renew **items on loan** * Click the number next to Items on Loan, select items to renew and click on **Renew Selected**. * To renew all items, simply click on **Renew All**. * Interlibrary Loan materials cannot by renewed on My Library Card. Please use ILLiad to renew Interlibrary Loan materials. * View Fines/Fees * Click on the number next to **Fines** for details of any existing fines. * View status of Recalls * Click the number next to **Recall Requests** to view information about any items you have recalled from another borrower. * To cancel the recall, click the number in front of the title of the book and select **Delete**. * View any blocks on your account. * Your account may be blocked for a number of reasons, including non-return of books, non-payment of fines, address correction needed, or not currently enrolled. * Visitors and Guests may log in by entering their Library User Name printed on the front of their blue or yellow card in lieu of the UBIT name. See instructions at My Library Card - Log In Instructions. Please be sure to Log Out when done to prevent your personal information from being accessible to others.
Return to top of page
====== New Additions ====== The New Additions page lists newly-received library materials, sorted by library.
Return to top of page
====== Non Circulating-Rare ====== Items listed in the catalog as //Non Circulating-Rare// are too fragile to handle and will no longer be retrieved for use. ====== OCLC/RLIN number ====== If you have an OCLC (WorldCat Accession) number or RLIN (Record ID Number) , search in the **Advanced Search** mode. Use the pull-down menus and select **OCLC/RLIN Number**. If the OCLC / RLIN number search fails, rerun it using title or author information.
Return to top of page
====== On Order ====== If the item you need is listed as **On Order** go to the [[http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/forms/cat/services.html|form]] to request it.
Return to top of page
====== Permalink ====== Search results in BISON typically include an embedded cookie as part of the search string. The cookie is necessary to enable search and session history, but can make it difficult when you want to save or share your search results later for access on a different computer. BISON includes several tools to make this process easier, such as: **add to my basket**, **email/save**, and **Bookmark & Share**. You can also generate permalinks: stable, persistent URLs that will always link directly to the resource you're seeking. How to generate a permalink depends on whether you wish to link to a single record or to a whole group of records. **To create a permalink to a single record in BISON:** * View the record you seek. * Click Permalink from the menu options beneath the catalog tabs. * Note that the URL displayed in your browser's navigation toolbar changes from a long URL with an embedded cookie to a shorter URL without the cookie. This shorter URL is the permalink. * To share or save the permalink, simply copy it from your browser's navigation toolbar and then paste it into an email, web page, document, etc. **To create a permalink to a group of records in BISON (i.e.: to replicate your BISON search):** * Perform a search in BISON. * On any results page (but not in view of individual record), copy the URL from your browser's navigation toolbar and paste it into your desired program. Now you will need to delete the cookie from the URL to make it a permalink. * The cookie is the portion of the URL that falls between **http://bison.buffalo.edu:8991/F/** and **?func** Delete all of the characters between **/F/** and **?func** and the resulting URL is a permalink to your search. //(Note: do not delete the characters which come after **?func** - they contain your search specifics, not the cookie.)//
Return to top of page
====== Phrase ====== To search for words as a phrase, enclose the words in double quotation marks. (e.g., “plastics recycling”). In **Advanced** search, check the radial button marked **Phrases**.
Return to top of page
====== Printing Results ====== To print a single item record: use the **Print** function of your browser. To print a list of records including the call numbers: * Select all the records you wish to save for printing * Click on the **Save/Mail** option * Leave the email address line blank * Click **Go** * Click **Save** on the next page * Select to either** Save** or **Open** the file and print from the resulting document. Note: Trying to print from the **Results List** will often not print the call numbers
Return to top of page
====== Proximity Search ====== In keyword searches, the % and ! symbols may be used to specify proximity. ^|!|//ballads !3 england// finds Ballads of England and Ballads of Merry Olde England, but not England and Her Ballads|Indicates the maximum number of characters to appear between the terms entered. First word first.| ^|%\\ between \\ two words|//england %3 ballads// finds Ballads of England, Ballands of Merry Olde England and England and Her Ballads|Indicates the maximum number of characters to appear between the terms entered. Either word first.|
Return to top of page
====== Punctuation ====== Most punctuation marks may be entered or ignored. If you get unexpected results, try the search again, adding or deleting the punctuation mark. Cutting and pasting text into a search box will be problematic if the text you paste includes any punctuation or diacritical marks (accent marks.) BISON may not perform the search correctly. If punctuation or diacritical marks are needed, you will get better results by typing the text directly into the search box using your keyboard Hint: a hyphen is required when doing an ISSN keyword search.
Return to top of page
====== Recall an Item ====== The RECALL function is used to request items that are currently checked out to another borrower. After selecting //Check Availability,// click on the word RECALL and follow the prompts to log in. The current borrower will be given a new due date and you will be notified when it is available for you to pick up.
Return to top of page
====== Recent Searches ====== Recent Searches allows you to view the results of previous searches, incorporate them into new searches or combine them into one result set. Note: Search statements remain in the Recent Searches only during your session. They will disappear automatically after fifteen minutes if no activity occurs in the catalog. To avoid losing records, log into **[[searching_tips#My Library Card|My Library Card]]** and use the **[[searching_tips#Basket|Basket]]** to retain items.
Return to top of page
====== Renew ====== Use **[[searching_tips#My Library Card|My Library Card]]** to renew your items online. Also see [[http://library.buffalo.edu/libraries/helpAZ/renew.html|Renewing Library Material]].
Return to top of page
====== Reserves Tab ====== Search for materials which have been put on Course Reserve. You can search by course number (with no spaces) or by instructor name.
Return to top of page
====== Results List ====== When you enter a successful search query, or click on an underlined entry from the browse list, a **Results List** is displayed. There are a number of things you can do within this list. Some options are: **Combine Results** * Use [[searching_tips#Recent Searches|Recent Searches]] to view the results of previous searches, incorporate them into new searches or combine them into one result set. **Modify** * Click **Modify Search** to further modify your search. You can narrow or broaden your search using the Boolean operator buttons and entering a word or phrase. The sidebar allows you to limit by language, format, year or location. **Select items** * Click in the box to the left of an item to select it. These items can then be viewed as a group, added to your [[searching_tips#Basket|Basket]], saved or emailed, or printed by using the **Save/Mail** link. **Sort** * You can sort the list by using the **Author**, **Title** or **Call Number** headings at the top of the lists. In a keyword search, items in the results list will be sorted with the most recent items first. **View** * To see full information about any item, click on its title. * Then, click **Check Availability** to find the status of the item. If and item is listed as **On Shelf**, you may go and retrieve it. If an item has a due date, you may [[searching_tips#Recall an item|Recall]] it.
Return to top of page
====== Save Results ====== To Save records: * Select each record you wish to save or email * Click on the **Save/Mail** option * Complete the form that displays, leaving email address line blank * Click **Go** * Click Save on the next page * Click Save again on the File Download page that pops up * Make decisions about where you will save the document.
Return to top of page
======Searching====== Break your topic down into a few keywords. BISON will not recognize ful sentences or long phrases. When entering the keywords into the search field, you do not need to include AND. BISON will place an automatic AND between any two terms when searching. If you need the terms to appear next to each other, enclose them in quotation marks ("peace bridge").
Return to top of page
====== Shelving ====== If the word **Shelving** appears in the Due Date column of the record for an item, it means that the item has recently been returned to the library and is on its way to the shelves. This indicator remains for 3 days. Check the shelf for the book or ask for assistance at the desk. ====== Special Collections ====== To locate items in **Special Collections** (University Archives, Rare Books, The Poetry Collection), select the **Advanced Search** option and use the drop down menu under Location/Collection to select **Special Collections**. See [[http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/helpAZ/special.html|Requesting Materials from Special Collections]].
Return to top of page
====== Stop Words ====== In **Keyword searches**, the words **AND**, **OR**, **NOT** are **stop words**. The system will not search on a stop word in a keyword search unless it is entered in quotes. Example: to do a keyword search for //**and a voice to sing with**//, enter your search as //**"and" a voice to sing with**//. Note: in a **Browse (…begins with)** search, these words may be used. Example: a **Title begins with** search on //**Or He be Dead**// gives the correct results.
Return to top of page
====== SUNY Shared Collection ====== Buffalo and the other SUNY University Centers are jointly acquiring certain publications. These will have //SUNY Shared Collection// in the call number. To request a title owned by another University Center, use ILLiad. The //[[searching_tips#ILLIAD Request|ILLIAD Request]]// button on the top of the page will lead you there.
Return to top of page
====== Theses / Dissertation Search ====== UB Dissertations and Theses can be searched in the catalog by author or by title. To search by call number or department, see [[http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/asl/guides/dissertation-guide.html#2|Dissertations and Theses: Guide to Research]].
Return to top of page
====== Tips / Hints ====== * BISON is not case sensitive. * When you use a limit feature, the limit will remain in effect until you deselect it. * If you unexpectedly get no results, check to see that you are searching under the correct tab and that limiting features are not still selected from a previous search. * To force terms to appear next to each other, type them inside quotation marks (“”) or click the phrase option in Advanced search. * If the URLs in BISON are not clickable, it may be because you are off campus and have not logged in. You must have a UBIT Name to log in. * If the words **Effective due date** appear in the **Due Date** column under **Check Availability**, it means that the item has been recalled for another patron and this is the new due date. * Cutting and pasting text into a search box will be problematic if the text you paste includes any punctuation or diacritical marks (accent marks.) BISON may not perform the search correctly. If punctuation or diacritical marks are needed, you will get better results by typing the text directly into the search box using your keyboard.
Return to top of page
======Title Search====== For an exact title, use the **Title Begins With…**search option. If you are not certain of the exact title, then use **Title Keywords**.
Return to top of page
====== Truncation and Wildcards ====== Truncation is a symbol put at the beginning or end of a word stem in order to catch all variations of that word when searching. Two symbols can be used for truncation: ? (question mark) and * (asterisk). Wildcards are used when searching for words with different spelling variations, or if you are unsure of the correct spelling. The # (pound sign) is used to symbolize either one or zero missing letters. The ! (exclamation point) is used to symbolize exactly one missing letter. Truncation and Wildcards can only be used in Keyword and Advanced searching. They will not work with Browse List searching. ^Symbol ^Examples ^Notes^ ^|? or *\\ at the beginning, end, or within a word|comput? finds compute, computer, computers,\\ computerization, computerized, etc.\\ \\ *ology finds archaeology, numerology, paleontology, psychology, etc.|Finds all the words beginning or ending with the stem. Acts as a placeholder for one or more characters within a word. Use only once in a search.| ^|# within a word|arch#eology finds archaeology or archeology\\ \\ colo#r finds color or colour|Placeholder for one or no character.| ^|! within a word|wom!n finds woman, women, womyn|Placeholder for exactly one character.|
Return to top of page