Find Homework (K-12) Resources

You will learn how to use the library catalog to search for both non-fiction and fiction books, audiobooks, DVDs, and more. 

A library catalog is a listing of all the items held by a library. It will pull up books, movies, video games, digital content, and so much more. 

 Alvin Sherman Library's Catalog can be found in multiple ways:

• Use the URL novacat.nova.edu
• OR visit library.nova.edu and make sure the dropdown reads "Catalog" then type in your keywords.

Broward County Public Library's Catalog is separate from ours and can be found here: https://www.broward.org/Library/Pages/Default.aspx

Searching for scholarly research and articles? Check the "Library Databases" tab in the navigation menu.

The library catalog allows us to search all of the library's holdings by keyword, subject, author, and title. 

Enter a word in the top search box and pull up everything the library has that mentions the keywords you used OR you can refine your search with the advanced options. View the video below for an example of how to search for a book in our catalog:

Once you select "Search" you will get a list of results that look like the image below. From here, we can learn more about our item to decide if we like it.

A. Call Number - Where the book is located in the library. To learn more about call numbers and how to read them, check our library guide: Library Call Numbers

B. Place Hold - You can use this button to have the library pull the book and set it aside for you to pick up later.

C. Availability - This will tell you if the book is currently available or checked out. It will also tell you what collection the book is in, which can help you find it. 

D. Format - This graphic displays the material type. 

The list below provides a quick guide to where each call number range is located within the Alvin Sherman Library:

Library of Congress Call Numbers:

• A - HD69 .T46 - 3rd Floor (East side)
• HD69 .T46 – PQ - 3rd Floor (West Side)
• PR-Z - 4th Floor (West Side)

Dewey Decimal Call Numbers:

• 000 - 999 (Published after 2021) - 1st Floor (Circulation Room near the library exit)
• 000 - 999 (Published before 2021) - 1st Floor (Public Library Services)
• Children, middle grade, and young adult books - 1st Floor ( Public Library Services)

Open the document below for more specific locations:

Use the library's catalog to search for materials such as books, ebooks, DVDs, etc., by keyword, author, or title. Click on an entry on the results list to view an item's availability, location, and call number.

1. No results? Check your spelling or the fields you searched in. Selecting different fields will produce different results.

2. Too few results? Go back and expand your search by using synonyms or related terms.

3. Too many results? Go back and use the advanced search filters to limit your search.

Need help? Ask a Librarian!