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ZSL Library Online Catalogue - Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions and answers should help you to make effective use of our catalogue. You may find it helpful to print off these pages and keep them next to you while you use our catalogue.
If you have a question that is not answered here please email library@zsl.org. Feedback about use of the catalogue is helpful as it helps us to make these FAQs relevant and helps to improve our services.
Journals and serials
How do I check if you have a particular serial/journal?
Can I check whether a particular journal issue has been received?
Why can I access some online journals via your catalogue but not others?
Books
How do I search for books by author, title and subject?
I have found a book in the catalogue, how do I check whether it is in the Library?
How do I activate the 'my account' facility?
Can I carry out more complex searches for books combining words and/or subject codes?
Journals and serials
How do I check if you have a particular serial/journal?
From the entry page click on 'browse search'. Make sure the pull down menu in 'look for' is set at 'title'. Type beginning of the journal/serial title into the box and click on the 'go' button. Matches appear but some of these will be books and some will be journals. Click on the most appropriate matching title. The title and our holdings information will appear with details of volumes and years. Make a note of the 'call number' as this is the shelf location of the title in our library.
Can I check whether a particular journal issue has been received?
Follow the instructions above and then click on 'issues'. Volume and issue number together with the date they are received are listed. However please note that the date received is in US format.
Why can I access some online journals via your catalogue but not others?
You can use the open access online journals from our catalogue by clicking on the URL in the journal entry. Any titles where we have a limited licence agreement will only be accessible in the library's Reading Room.
Books
How do I search for books by author, title and subject?
It is usually best to click on 'browse search' in the entry page.
Author
Usually all authors, not just the first author can be searched. Make sure the pull down menu in 'look for' is set at 'author'. Type in the author's name in the format 'surname, initial' and click on the 'go' button. Matches appear, click on the most appropriate matches. Make a note of the 'call number' as this is the shelf location of the book in our Library.
Title
Make sure the pull down menu in 'look for’' is set at 'title'. (Alternatively you can use title keyword if you know only part of a title). Type in the title (or keyword) and click on the 'go' button. Matches appear, click on the most appropriate matches. Make a note of the 'call number' as this is the shelf location of the title in our library.
Subject
It is usually best to search by subject using the library’s subject codes if you know them e.g. lions YPO, carnivores YM or Britain /e. Geographical subject codes are prefixed by /. Make sure the pull down menu in `look for’ is set at 'subject' or 'subject keyword'. Type in the subject code or word and click on the 'go' button. Matches appear, click on the most appropriate matches. Make a note of the 'call number' as this is the shelf location of the title in our library.
What does 'added entry' mean?
This is used to search for books by corporate authors e.g. IUCN, English Nature or for conference proceedings. Make sure the pull down menu in 'look for' is set at 'added entry'. Type in the corporate author details or conference details and click on the 'go' button. When matches appear, click on the most appropriate matches. Make a note of the 'call number' as this is the shelf location of the title in our library.
I have found a book in the catalogue, how do I check whether it is in the Library?
When you look at the book details check the 'copies' information. If the book is on loan the 'circulation status' will be 'checked out' with the date the book is due to be returned. NB the date of return is given in US format. If the book is in the Library the 'circulation status' will be 'on the shelf'.
Who can borrow books?
Fellows of ZSL (not Student Fellows) and staff of ZSL may borrow upto six books at any one time for a two month loan period. If not required by someone else, the loan period can be extended. Fellows of the Royal Entomological Society may also borrow books. We do not lend books published before 1930. Most books published after 1930 are available for loan however a few are restricted to reference use in the library.
How do I activate the 'my account' facility?
If you are entitled to borrow books then you may ask for your account to be activated. This allows you to request books, check which books you currently have on loan and when they are due back. Please email library@zsl.org saying you wish to activate your account. You will then be issued with a user name and password
Can I carry out more complex searches for books combining words and/or subject codes?
Yes, select the 'power search' option from the entry page.
