OneSearch

1. Consider the types of sources that you need for your research: 
   • Do you need primary or secondary sources?
   • Do you need books or journal articles? Popular publications for a general audience or scholarly resources for academics and professionals? All of the above?
   • Do you need the most recent information available or historical information?
      
2. Brainstorm words, synonyms, alternative spellings, and jargon that could be search keywords to describe your topic. For example: self-driving car, driverless car, autonomous vehicle, etc.
    
3. Only use important topic terms in your search. Example words that ineffectively limit your search: effects, causes, pros and cons, increase, decrease. They're not worth typing.
    
4. To improve your search results, enclose phrases in "quotation marks." For example: "British Columbia" or "climate change".
    
5. To find variant endings for a word, use the * asterisk (truncation symbol). For example: parent* finds parents, parenting, parenthood, parenteral.
    
6. Many items have direct links to get the full text online. For those that don't, use Get It! to determine if we provide full text online or in print.
    
7. If you can't access the item you need, use Document Delivery to request it.

If you need to find books, searching the Library Catalog is an easy way to limit the results. Type title, author, and topic keywords in the search box and click Library Catalog.

If the Library doesn't own an item that you need, or if it's checked out or missing, you can get it through Document Delivery. Follow these steps to request it.

1. Search for the item using OneSearch. Click to select it.
   
2. Click the "Request It" option.
   
3. A new window will open and direct you to Document Delivery. Sign in using your eRaider username and password. (Community borrowers and non-TTU patrons cannot request items.)
    
4. The Book Request form should be automatically completed. Once you verify that required fields are completed, click "Submit Request" at the bottom of the webpage.
    
5. You'll see the Document Delivery main menu, and your request will appear under "Pending Requests." The left column lists the transaction number for this request. The right column displays the status of your request. Status changes will be updated there.
    
6. We will notify you by email when your item is available to pick up at the University Library. 

You do not have to sign in to OneSearch to use it and see results. However, you will have more options available if you do. If you sign in, you can request items you want, save your searches, and view items loaned to your library account.

To sign in, click the "Sign in" link in the upper right corner of the OneSearch webpage.