Searching by Title

If you know the title of a particular item, doing a title search is usually the most effective way to locate the item.

• Leave off any initial articles (the, a, an, la, le, der, etc.)
• Be careful to type the words of the title in order
• Be sure you have the correct "little words" in the title (don't confuse on, of, for, in, etc.)
• It is better to enter an incomplete title than an inexact title (e.g. From anarchy to)

Searching by Author

You can look for recordings by composer or performer by using an author search.

• Use the last name first.
• Always enter the family name (last name) and then the personal name (first name).

Searching by Keyword and Keyword (AND, OR, or NOT)

Like an internet search, the keyword search searches the entire contents of the library record. It is the best search to use if you are looking for a particular topic or subject, if you are not sure of a title, or if you are getting too many nonrelevant results.

Examples:

Search for a phrase (always use quotation marks around a phrase): "opera buffa"

Search for more than one term: flute AND concerto

Keywords can be used to restrict a search to only sound recordings or to only items in AU Music Library.

Examples:

Search for recordings: mahler and "sound recording" (this search eliminates all the musical scores, leaving only the recordings in all formats)

Using Limits When Searching for Sound Recordings

ALADIN allows you to set limits on your search. If you are looking for sound recordings, you can use limits and not worry about getting results that are books. You can limit your search by format (sound recording), by location (American University), or both.

• Before typing your search, click on "More Limits"
• Choose Item Type : Musical Recording
• Click on Set Limits at the bottom of the page, and you will return to the search screen. Start your search.