Search Options
Advanced Search Keyword Search NEW! Search by Subject Browse Subjects
How to Search:
Searching is easy! Our website offers a number of different types of searches including our new (July 2008) KEYWORD SEARCH.
1. SEARCH
This appears in the left-hand panel on every page and is especially useful when the stock ID is known. Just type the number and in most cases you will be taken straight to the stock record. SEARCH is also useful for single or multiple word searches. For example, type Darwin and all records with Darwin in the record will appear. OR type in Darwin and Beagle and all books with the words Darwin and/or Beagle will appear. Searches are also done on part words. For example bea will find beagle, beautiful etc.
You can also search using the ISBN or EAN.
*** Searching our database is NOT case sensitive. Thus Darwin and darwin will show all records with the words Darwin/darwin.
*** Once a list of books is generated, click on the book to show a single record. This single record screen shows our full description and may have an image or extra text that is not given in bulk emails or hardcopy catalogues. This screen also lists KEYWORDS which can be searched.
2. ADVANCED SEARCH
ADVANCED SEARCH is designed to assist the searcher to find titles of specific interest using multiple keywords. A multiple keyword search will provide a relatively small number of titles from which to consider.
For example the searcher might wish to know what field guides on Australian Birds of Prey we have in stock. Go to ADVANCED SEARCH and select the keyword Australia in the REGION search bar; then select Field guides in the BOOK TYPE search bar; then select Birds of Prey in the KEYWORD search bar.
It is not necessary to use all search bars, only as many as will bring the best results.
3. KEYWORD SEARCH - NEW!!
Keyword search is designed to allow the searcher to create a refined view of our books in a specific area of interest using the keywords we have developed within our shop database. Below every stock record on our website there is a selection of keywords most relevant to that book. Keywords are useful tools for searching as they are descriptive words that may not be included in the title of the book. Each keyword has been carefully selected using our expertise and knowledge. When using Keyword Search up to five of these keywords can be combines to create a own specific view of our stock.
While both Advanced Search and Keyword Search utilise keywords for searching, they are different. Advanced Search categorises our keywords and encourages the searcher to refine searches using a combination of these categories. Advanced Search also includes hard-wired options that are NOT included in our keyword listing. Whereas Keyword Search allows the searcher to search using all keywords in any combination.
4. SEARCH OR BROWSE BY SUBJECTS
Our two subject based searches are designed to give a list of books on categories we have developed within our shop database. You can either select SEARCH BY SUBJECT to select a subject category for the dropdown list or select BROWSE BY SUBJECTS to view a listing of all subjects categories. For example selecting the topic BIRDS Cranes will give a list of all books we consider to be best described by the subject Cranes. Searching on the keyword Cranes in the full stock record is also useful but may give a slightly different list of books.
Any queries or suggestions on our search engine are welcome.
