The online catalog to access resources in Penn State University Libraries’ collections is The CAT. It lists materials from each of the Penn State campuses as well as those specialized libraries at University Park. All formats (books, journals, audiovisuals, maps, recordings, etc.) are included.
Click on Search The CAT and use the browse function to search by title or by author (last name first). Use the keyword function to search by topic using significant words in a title.
When you find the right entry, you will notice it lists the locations of the books under your search. Jot down the call number and location for the book you need. If the item is not at our campus (Dickinson School of Law – Carlisle), use the “I Want It” button to request it. A hold for you will be placed on this book which essentially reserves the item for you from that library. Library staff at that location will pull it from their collection and deliver it to our library. You will receive a notice when it has been received here in Carlisle.
For electronic books found in The CAT, click the link under the words “online content” to access the full text. The online content can also direct you to electronic databases for periodicals and articles such as HeinOnline.
You can also use LionSearch, which is an integrated search of books, e-books, research articles, newspaper articles, and other publications. You may begin your search by selecting Book / eBook under the content type limits located on the left-side menu. To broaden your search further to include articles and other media, change the content type selection. There are other research tools to use when conducting your research; Try These First is a great place to begin.
Video tutorials are also available for both The CAT and LionSearch. If you are stumped, don’t forget to ask one of our Law Library Faculty. All of the Law Librarians’ offices are located in the library.