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Using Google Books

Search Examples for Google Books

Let’s say that we searched the UA Libraries Catalog for books on our topic, but we did not find much. There could be more books on this topic. One option to find more books is to search Google Books.

When books are no longer protected by copyright, the entire book is available to download from Google Books. Usually these books are very old (e.g. 1920). Most books, especially recent ones, in Google Books have a limited or no preview. If we find an interesting book in Google Books, we could search the title in the UA Libraries catalog to find out if the library has it.

Parallel Computing Applications in Cardiology Example

Let's try the search (parallel computing cardiac OR cardiology) in Google Books. A book, Parallel Computing Technologies, seems to be interesting. Now, search the UA Libraries Catalog choosing keywords in the title because it is a conference proceeding. The book might have a slightly different title in the UA Libraries Catalog than in Google Books. When using the search query,

Catalog Search: Parallel computing technologies PaCT opens new window

in the catalog, we find the book electronically. Relevant information is in the section, A Parallel Genetic Algorithm to Adjust a Cardiac Model Based on Cellular Automaton and Mass-Spring Systems.

When searching the UA Libraries Catalog using similar search terms (“parallel computing” OR “parallel processing”) and (heart* OR cardi**), opens new window the book does not appear in the results list.

Web Accessibility at Universities Example

This time, we try the search (accessibility web higher education) in Google Books. A book, E-learning and Disability in Higher Education, seems to be interesting. Now, search the UA Libraries Catalog by title to find out if we have the book because we have the exact title. Sometimes, a keyword search can give you too many results. When using the search query,

Catalog Title Search: E-learning and Disability in Higher Education opens new window

in the catalog, we find the book in our library.

When searching the UA Libraries Catalog using similar search terms (accessibility web higher education) opens new window, the book does not appear in the results list.