Classic Catalog
What is the Classic Catalog?
The Classic Catalog searches the Washington University Libraries’ collections of books, journals, newspapers, conference proceedings, government documents, microforms, video, and audio recordings. The Classic Catalog searches Washington University Medical School’s Becker Library collection as well.
When Should I Use the Classic Catalog?
The Classic Catalog searches the circulating campus collection and provides a more traditional and methodical search experience. Once you have a general topic in mind, the Classic Catalog will help in digging deeper. If you are looking for a specific title, the Classic Catalog is usually the better option.
Search Tips for the Classic Catalog
- Use the Advanced Search screen to create a sophisticated search.
- To search for an exact phrase, enclose your search terms in quote marks.
- It is possible to mark items in your search results and send them to yourself.
- Users can create their own search-path URLs for Author, Title, Call Number, etc., searches. Learn more about this in Creating Catalog Links below.
- In the course of your search, you will come across different item statuses in an item’s record. Learn more about the various status messages, their meanings, and what actions can be performed in Status Messages below.
The URL path to use when creating links to the Classic Catalog is as follows: http://catalog.wustl.edu/search/[INDEX TAG HERE]?[SEARCH TERM(S) HERE]
The bold, all-caps areas designated within the square brackets is where you would input your unique index search tags and search terms. The index tags are used to identify what type of item – author, title, call number – you are searching for; the search term(s) would be your specific search.
Here is a list of commonly used when creating catalog links and what they stand for:
| Index Tag | Stands for… |
|---|---|
| a | Author |
| c | Call Number |
| d | Subject |
| i | ISSN/ISBN |
| o | OCLC Number |
| p | Course Instructor |
| r | Reserve Course |
| t | Title |
| X | Keyword (X must be capitalized) |
The Classic Catalog displays various status messages in relation to an item’s catalog record.
Here is a list of common status messages, their meaning(s), and actions users may take in response to the message(s):
| Message | Meaning | Action(s) |
|---|---|---|
| AT BINDERY | Item was sent out to commercial bindery | For journals, request through ILLiad. For books, place a hold (see recalls and searches), or request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| ASK LIBRARY TO PURCHASE | Item will be purchased by the library and ready for pick-up within 3 weeks. | Use the request button in the library catalog. If you need the item sooner, request it through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| BEING REPAIRED | Item was sent to Preservation for repairs | Ask Reference for assistance or request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| BILLED | Item is unavailable | Request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| CLAIMS RETURNED | Item is unavailable | Request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| DUE | Item is checked out | Place a hold (see recalls and searches), or request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| 1 HOLD | Item is unavailable | Request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| IN PROCESS | Item is awaiting cataloging | Use the request button in the library catalog or submit a Request for an “In-Process” item |
| IN TRANSIT | Item has been checked in at other than the owning library and is being transported to the owning library | Place a hold (see recalls and searches), or request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| IN-HOUSE PRESERVATION | Item is receiving preservation treatment in-house | If not found on the shelf, contact the circulation desk at the owning University Libraries location |
| LIB USE ONLY | Available for in-library use only | If not found on the shelf, contact the circulation desk at the owning University Libraries location |
| LIB USE ONLY* | Available for in-library use only. Materials from the Kranzberg Art and Architecture Library that are located in West Campus Library’s Closed Stacks may be delivered to the Kranzberg Art and Architecture Library or the Dowd Illustration Research Archive for use in their reading rooms. Other Closed Stacks materials may be delivered to Olin Library Special Collections or Dowd Illustration Research Archive for reading room use. | If not found on the shelf, contact the circulation desk at the owning University Libraries location |
| LOST | Item is unavailable | Request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| MISSING | Item is unavailable | Request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| MOBIUS PAGED | Item is unavailable | Request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| MOBIUS PAGED + 1 HOLD | Item is unavailable | Request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| NEW BOOK DISPLAY | Item is on the New Book Display | If not found on the shelf, place a hold (see recalls and searches) or contact the circulation desk at the owning University Libraries location |
| NO LOCAL HOLDINGS | Item is unavailable | Request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| NOT CHECKED OUT | Item is not checked out and should be on the shelves | If not found on the shelf, place a hold (see recalls and searches), or contact the circulation desk at the owning University Libraries location |
| OFF CAMPUS | Item is unavailable | Request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| ON HOLDSHELF | Item is awaiting pick-up by a patron | Place a hold (see recalls and searches), or request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| ON ORDER | Item is on order and not yet received | Submit Request an “On-Order” item or request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
| RECENTLY ADDED | Item was recently added | If not found on the shelf, place a hold (see recalls and searches), or contact the circulation desk at the owning University Libraries location |
| RECENTLY CHECKED IN | Item was recently checked in | If not found on the shelf, place a hold (see recalls and searches), or contact the circulation desk at the owning University Libraries location |
| RESTRICTED CIRCULATION | Item can be borrowed by eligible patrons only | If not found on the shelf, place a hold (see recalls and searches), or contact the circulation desk at the owning University Libraries location |
| SEARCHING | Item is unavailable | Request through MOBIUS or ILLiad |
Need Help?
Questions? Consult the Classic Catalog FAQs or try the Ask Us! 24/7 chat service.
Report a Problem
Want to Report a Problem? If you note a problem with the Classic Catalog, please let us know using the following form: