Keyword searches, such as "mental health" or "sports nutrition," yield the broadest range of search results, capturing a wide variety of relevant content. For more targeted results, use author, title, or series searches—"Jodi Taylor," "The Golden Compass," or "Harry Potter"—to pinpoint specific works. Advanced search options, including Boolean operators, publication date filters, reading level, and more, provide powerful tools for refining and customizing your search with greater precision.
As an Academy student, you can unlock a world of knowledge by obtaining a library card from the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum. With your card, you will have access to an extensive collection of books, eBooks, and audiobooks, for both study and leisure. Simply present your student ID card to a librarian at the Athenaeum’s circulation desk to request your library card and start exploring today!
This pathfinder is a step-by-step guide to help you search the library's catalog for books. You can access the catalog via the library's website, the Destiny Discover app on iOS or Android.
Destiny Discover offers basic searches by keyword, title, or author right from the main search bar. Here's how to do each type:
1. Accessing the Search Bar
- Go to your the Destiny Discover homepage.
- Look for the search bar at the top (it usually says "Find" or "Search").
2. Searching by Keyword
- Use this when you are looking for books on a topic, theme, or general idea (e.g., "climate change" or "dystopian novels").
- Steps:
1. Type your keyword(s) into the search bar (e.g., "space exploration").
2. Click the search icon (magnifying glass) or press Enter.
3. Results will show books where your keywords appear in the title, description, author, or subject.
4. Narrow results: Use filters on the right side for reading level, publication date, or availability. For example, check "Available Copies" to see only books you can check out now.
- Tips: Use quotes for exact phrases (e.g., "artificial intelligence"). Add more words for better results, like "artificial intelligence ethics."
3. Searching by Title
- Use this if you know the exact or partial book title (e.g., "The Great Gatsby").
- Steps:
1. Type the title into the search bar (e.g., "To Kill a Mockingbird").
2. Click search or press Enter.
3. Results will match titles closely. If it's an exact match, you'll see details like author, summary, and location in the library (e.g., call number CLA Fic LEE).
4. If no results, try a keyword search instead or check spelling.
- Tips: You don't need the full title—partial works (e.g., "Harry Potter" will show the series).
4. Searching by Author
- Use this for books by a specific writer (e.g., "J.K. Rowling" or "Shakespeare").
- Steps:
1. Type the author's name into the search bar (last name first for best results, e.g., "Austen Jane").
2. Click search or press Enter.
3. Results will list all books by that author in your library. Click a title for more info such as reviews or availability.
4. Sort results by popularity, date, or alphabetically using the filter feature on the right side of the screen.
- Tips: Authors might be listed as "Last Name, First Name." If the author has a common name, add a keyword (e.g., "King Stephen horror").
Additional Features and Tips
- Advanced Search: Click the "Advanced Search" button to combine searches (e.g., author + keyword). You can limit by Lexile level (reading difficulty), availability, and more.
- What to Do with Results:
- Click a book to see details: Summary, reviews, similar books, and more.
- Note the call number (e.g., MEM 921 EIN for autobiographies) to find it on the shelf.
- No Results? Try broader keywords, check for typos, or ask your librarian.
- Mobile App Bonus: On the app, you can scan ISBN barcodes or use voice search for quicker results.
- Explore More: From the homepage, browse "Popular Titles," "New Arrivals," or "Collections" for recommendations without searching.
If you need help, visit the library to meet with Ms. Slater or Mr. Moore for personalized reader's advisory to help you find your next book or series. Happy reading!