LibrarySearch is a tool you can use to find resources to support your learning, teaching, and research. Use this guide to help you navigate the new system and use Ask Chat for help overcoming search challenges as they come up. To learn more advanced research strategies tailored to your specific needs, please contact the library or book a consultation with a librarian.

What is in LibrarySearch?

LibrarySearch provides access to library collections in print and digital formats including books, articles, videos, maps, government documents, music, data sets, and more. You can also discover materials that are not available at U of T but that you can request for free through interlibrary loan.

When to use LibrarySearch?

Use LibrarySearch when you want to find:

• Background information 
• Several articles to get started
• An exact book or article title
• Various formats (e.g. books and newspapers)
• Sources on an interdisciplinary topic 
• Local and/or unique resources

If you find it difficult to narrow your results, consider using a subject-specific database or see what is recommended in one of the many Research Guides.   

To improve your search experience and gain access to advanced features, always begin by clicking the Sign In button pictured below. 

Once you have signed in to LibrarySearch you can: 

• Update your profile to be sure you will receive important library notifications
• Check due dates, place holds, review item requests, and pay fines
• Renew your borrowed items 
• View your search history
• Access saved search results and citations
• Create alerts to keep up to date on new publications

Please note: LibrarySearch times out after 30 minutes of inactivity, automatically signing you out and resetting itself to the default search page.

To narrow your search results to online resources (e.g., eBooks, eJournals, article databases, streamable video / audio):

1. Enter your search terms
2. Click on the Search Button (magnifying glass)
3. On the Search Result page, under Filter your Results on the left side of the screen, locate Show Only heading and click the Online check box (you can also select other filters, including Format - Book, Book Chapters, Articles) 
4. Click on APPLY FILTERS button at the bottom of screen