Using the NMS Library Services catalogue

Searching

Quick Search

  • Defaults to a simple keyword search
  • The drop-down menu enables you to limit your search to author, title etc.
  • You can also use:
    • Double quotation marks to search for full phrases (e.g. “Scottish Enlightenment”)
    • Boolean operators for more specific searches (e.g. fish NOT food)
    • Wildcard: ? in place of a single character (e.g. wom?n)
    • Truncation: * in place of multiple characters (e.g. *plane)

Advanced Search

  • Enables you to combine search information (e.g. author and title).
  • 'Collection' tab enables you to limit results to those at a specific NMS site (e.g. NMCC)
  • 'Item shelving location' tab enables you to limit results to those in a specific part of an NMS site (e.g. NMCC Entomology).
Viewing your results
  • ‘Refine your search’ on the left-hand side enables you to filter your results e.g. to item types, authors or locations
  • The drop down on the right-hand side enables you to sort your results (default is by relevance).
  • Click on the title to view a full record for the resource. From here the options on the right hand side enable you to:
    • Print item details
    • Send to device (generates a QR code so you can go directly to this record on another device)
    • Save the record in a variety of formats e.g. for referencing software.
Logging into My Account
  • Registered users (Staff, Research Associates, Volunteers and Fellows of the Society) can log in.
  • If you do not know your password, reset it by using the forgot your password link and entering your registered email address.
  • If you are a member of NMS Staff, Research Associate, Volunteer or Fellow of the Society and are not yet registered for a library account, visit the Research Library to register in person or contact the library team.
  • Once logged in, you can view items on loan, review your search history, request an update to your details, change your password and place interlibrary loan requests.
  • Registered Fellows, Research Associates and Volunteers can renew their books online.
  • Items on loan to NMS Staff are renewed automatically unless requested by another user.