Searching for and using ebooks and books

BIB 20-020

What you need to know

You can search for a book or ebook through the library search system.

You will find print media (printed books) and electronic media (ebooks) in the BOSS portal).
It is possible to search by title or author, or by subject (e.g. using a keyword).

Catalogue search is not a full-text search function!
The databases offer a broader subject search.

What you have to do

  1. Open the service overview of the External link opens in a new window:HFU Intranet (Helpcard Internal link opens in the same window:BIB 20-001).

  2. Enter the title, author or ISBN number, or use the advanced search function.

    • In the advanced search, every input field is provided with a selection menu. For example, if you are searching for an author (enter: Surname, First name). You can search with any combination of keywords you wish.

    • You will receive a list with one or more hits.

    • For a clearer overview you can carry out a more advanced search, e.g. restrict to e-book or printed book.

  3. Click on a title.

  4. You come to the platform which offers the ebook.

  5. Download the ebook or open it.

    • Depending on the publisher, you will have to download the chapters one by one, or in some cases, download may not be possible at all. In this case you can only open the ebook and read it online.

  6. If the book in question is a printed book, look at the information on the title, for example the year of publication and the edition.

    • Location and shelfmark tell you in which HFU campus library and on which shelf the book is located. You will also see whether the book has been borrowed or is available.

Problems or questions?