Penn State - DelawareCounty - Vairo Library

English 15 - Library Research Databases- CAT Worksheet

To connect to the databases: (a) Go to the Delaware Campus Library (

(b) Click on: ARTICLES to go to the E-RESOURCE LIST (A-Z)(c) Click on the database name and Click on Go There.

Topic Overview/Background Information

Books are the best sources for a broad or historical overview of your research topic. Books often provide a summary of the major issues, opinions and research studies.

The CAT

The CAT is a database of the books, journals, government documents, music resources, maps, special collections and archives in the PennStateUniversity Libraries. In The CAT, you can:

-- search all PennState library locations or a single location,

-- limit your search results by date of publication, language and format,

-- electronically request books that are not at the DelawareCounty Campus (I WANT IT button)

Practice Book:

Personal Author: Pelzer, David J.

Title: The lost boy : a foster child's search for the love ofa family / Dave Pelzer.

Publication info: Deerfield Beach, Fla. : Health Communications, c1997.

Subject: Pelzer, David J.

Subject: Abused children--California--Daly City--Biography.

Subject: Children of alcoholics--California—DalyCity--Biography.

Subject: Abusive mothers--California--Daly City—Familyrelationships.

Subject: Family violence--California--Daly City.

Subject: Foster home care--California--Case studies.

Sample Search: Foster Care

In The CAT, click on ADVANCED SEARCH and enter:

  • TOPIC: Title/Subject: foster care and child abuse
  • LIBRARY: PennStateDelawareCounty

1.) How many books are available at Vairo Library? ______

2.) How many are books online through netLibrary? (click on DETAIL of “electronic resources” items) ______

  • Click on DETAIL for “Nobody’s Children”; Click on the MORE tab:

3.) List one “subject heading” you could use to search to find more books like this one:

Click on “Go Back” to return to the Titles List; Scroll down to the Search Form:

  • Change LIBRARY to ALL
  • Search previous keywords or new keywords discovered in the “subject headings” of a relevant book

4.) What keywords did you use as search terms?: ______

5.) How many books at ALLPennState Libraries contain these search terms?:______

  • Click on DETAIL for a book that is not at the Delaware Campus:
  • Click on I WANT IT to request it from another PennState library
  • Choose DelawareCountyas your PICK UP Library

6.) If you get the message, PRIVILEGE EXPIRED, go to the library circulation desk after class to have your privilege extended; If you get the message, HOLD PLACED, click on OK, click on MY LIBRARY ACCOUNT, and REMOVE this practice hold