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Catalog Search Tips

Find exactly what you’re looking for!

Whether you’re looking for that new book that everybody’s talking about or just cruising for your next great read, you can find exactly what need with the various search options in YCL’s catalog!

See the information below for search help and recommendations.

Search the Catalog

Search by Type, Format, or Library

Above the catalog search bar, you will see three different filters to help limit your search results. These filters are: Type, Format, and Library.

Search Bar Options Screenshot

Search by Type

There are a few different “types” of search terms you can filter by, such as:

  • Keyword: This is the default search option for Type. It casts the broadest net possible with your search terms and will look for all titles or themes that closely match your search. This is the best choice for when you just want to explore what’s available on a given topic.
    • Example of a keyword search: Contemporary fiction
  • Title or Author: These are the most precise search options. They are the best choice for when you want to find a specific item and already know some of its basic bibliographic details.
    • Example of a title search: Goodnight Moon
    • Example of an author search: Margaret Wise Brown or Brown, Margaret Wise
      • Pro tip! You can start your search by using the author’s first OR last name. When the automatic suggestions appear, they will list the last name before the first name.
    • Subject: This search option is not recommended for most users. It will attempt to match your search terms with the Library of Congress’ Subject Headings list. As these headings can be quite specific, we recommend using Keyword search instead.
      • Example of a subject search: United States–History–Civil War, 1861-1865–Regimental histories.
    • Digital Bookplate: This search option is used to search for tribute items made in honor or memory of someone. Tribute items are purchased through a donation and marked with a physical bookplate. You can use the “Digital Bookplate” type filter to search for the person’s name.
Bookplate Visual In Chilipac Catalog
More about Tribute Gifts

Search by Item Format

Use the Format filter to only search for items of a specific physical format such as book, movie, CD audiobook, or more.

Please note: eBooks and eAudiobooks are not searchable in the main catalog. You must search for them directly on our eBook platform, Libby.

The most commonly used search formats are:

  • All formats: This is the default search option for Format, and it returns all items that match your search terms.
  • All books: This search option limits your search results to only physical books, including books in large print and braille. It does not include audiobooks, including CD audiobooks.
  • All music: Use of this search option is not recommended. To return the most accurate results for music, search using All formats instead.
  • All video: This search option limits your search results to videos of any format, which includes Blu-Rays, DVDs, and Educational DVDs.
  • Equipment/games/toys: This search option encompasses many types of durable, non-print physical items, including computers, tablets, e-readers, mobile hotspots, and recreational toys and games. It does not include video games.
  • Kits: Use this search option to find educational toys and games.
  • Serials and magazines: Use this search option to find physical magazines, newspapers, graphic novels, and comics.
Search Bar Options Screenshot

Search by Library

Use this search option to only show items that are housed in the library of your choice. When you’re logged in, your home library will be selected by default. Select “York County Libraries” to search countywide.

Most of the time, you will be best served by searching countywide. If you find an item you want that is not housed at your home library, just place a hold on it and choose to have it delivered to your home library for pickup.

What else can I do with my Library Account? Click to go to the Account Management tips page.