Social Work: Books

Library Catalogue Primo is a discovery tool commonly used by academic and public libraries to help users access their collections of books, journals, e-resources, and other materials. Here are some key features of Primo:

1. Unified Search Interface: Primo provides a single search interface that allows users to search across various resources, including the library's catalog, electronic databases, digital collections, and even external sources.

2. Faceted Search Options: Users can refine their search results using facets such as format (e.g., books, articles), availability, publication date, and subject, making it easier to find specific materials.

3. Access to E-Resources: Primo often links directly to electronic resources, such as e-books and online journals, enabling users to access them with just a click.

4. User Accounts: Many libraries allow users to create accounts in Primo, enabling features such as saving searches, creating lists of favorites, and managing loans.

5. Integration with Library Services: Primo can be integrated with other library services, such as interlibrary loans, citation tools, and reference management systems, providing a comprehensive experience for users.

6. Mobile Compatibility: Many implementations of Primo are mobile-friendly, allowing users to search for materials and access resources from their smartphones or tablets.

Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Library Catalogue Primo for Print Books

• Visit the Library Website:

  Go to the library's official website. ( library.unizulu.ac.za)

Access Primo:

• Click on the link to Primo, which may be labeled as "Library Catalog,

Search for Print Books:

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​In the search bar, enter keywords related to the print book you are looking for. This could include the title, author, subject, or ISBN.
• Make sure to select the appropriate filters if available (e.g., limiting the search to print books).

Refine Your Search:

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​After conducting the initial search, you can refine your results by using filters. Look for options like:
• Format: Select “Books” or “Print Books.”
• Availability: Choose options like "Available" to see items currently on the shelf.
• Location: If your library has multiple branches, you might be able to filter by location.

Review the Results:

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Browse through the list of results. Click on a specific title to see more details about the book, such as:
• Call number (needed to find the book on the shelf)
• Availability status
• Location within the library

Note the Call Number:

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Once you find the book you want, take note of the call number and the library location. This will help you locate the book on the shelves.

Locate the Book in the Library:

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Go to the library and find the print book using the call number. Libraries typically arrange books according to a classification system (like Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress).

Check Out the Book:

• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Once you’ve found the book, proceed to the circulation desk or self-checkout station to borrow it.

Access Primo:

Open your library’s website and find the link to Primo (often called “Library Catalog” or “Search the Catalog”).

• Click the link to open Primo.

Search for Social Work Books:

• ​​​​​​​Locate the search bar on the main Primo interface.
• Type relevant keywords such as "social work," "child welfare," "community organization," or more specific topics like “gerontology social work” or “clinical social work.”

Use Advanced Search (Optional):

• ​​​​​​​For more refined results, click the "Advanced Search" option. This allows you to search by specific fields like title, author, subject, or ISBN.
• For example, you can search for "social work" as a subject and specify that you only want to find books in English or from a particular publication date range.

Apply Filters:

• ​​​​​​​After running your search, use the filters on the left side of the page to narrow down results. Key filters include:
• Content Type: Select “Books” to exclude journal articles or other resources.
• Format: Choose between print books and eBooks, depending on your preference.
• Language: Filter to books in your preferred language, such as English.
• Publication Date: Narrow results by selecting a date range (e.g., books published from 2020 to 2024).

Review the Search Results:

• ​​​​​​​Browse through the results to find relevant social work books. Each entry typically shows the title, author, publication date, and a short description.
• Click on the title of any book to see more details, including a description, subject headings, and the book's availability.

Access eBooks:

• ​​​​​​​If you find an eBook, there will usually be a link that says "Available Online" or something similar. Click this link to access the eBook. You may need to log in with your library credentials.

Locate Physical Books:

• ​​​​​​​If you're looking for physical books, check their location in the library. Primo will show where the book is stored (e.g., Main Stacks, Social Work Section) and whether it is available or checked out.
• Note the call number, which is necessary to locate the book on the library shelf.

Save or Export Results:

• ​​​​​​​Primo often allows you to save book records to a list or export citations. You can use this feature to keep track of books you’re interested in for future reference or research.

Request Books (Optional):

• ​​​​​​​If a book is unavailable or located in another library branch, you may be able to request it through interlibrary loan or place a hold for later pickup.