CSU Libraries > How Do I > Gil > Quick Search

Quick Search

GIL is the library's web based book and media catalog. If you have a topic that you can describe using two or three words or with a short phrase, quick searching in GIL (formerly known as keyword searching) is a powerful tool. Here is how you use it...

1. The default menu in GIL is the Quick Search menu. Fill in two or three words or a short phrase that describes your topic. You need not use "quotes" with a phrase, but you do have to set the scroll box to search for a phrase.
   
   
   
2. Click Go to start your search.
3. GIL presents you with a list of titles like the partial one below. GIL arranges these titles alphabetically NOT by relevance.
   
   
   
4. Most of the time, this list gives you enough information to find the items you need. In addition to title and author, this list gives you the books' call numbers and lets you know if they go out and are on the shelf.
   CIRCULATING COLLECTION means a book or other item can go out.
   GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS usually circulate too.
   NOT CHECKED OUT means the book is on the shelf.
5. For more information on a particular book, click on its blue title.
6. To see additional titles on a long list, press the Next arrow. To return to a previous list of titles, hit the Previous arrow. Note: not all arrows are active.
7. To print out a list of books (or other materials) click on the print icon at the top of the Netscape or IE browser. In Netscape you need to tell the printer OK before it will print.
8. If you see a red error message on a screen that says your search has timed out, click on the blue or purple link to start a new search.
9. You can access GIL from any computer with an internet connection. You do not need a password.

(Created by Eileen H. Kramer Science Reference Librarian -- November 2004)