NAS 101: Native American Cultures: How to Find Books

Below are some suggested search terms to use when searching the SOUTHcat catalog or library databases. Search techniques may vary with each database, so look at help screens or ask a librarian for suggestions about using quotation marks and truncation symbols.

KEYWORD

indian? "health care"

indian? addiction

indian? "mental health"

native america? "social issues"

SUBJECT

To find books about Native Americans by Library of Congress subject heading, you can copy and paste the headings below into the search box and select "Subject Heading Browse."  This is just a small list. Be sure to check the Subject field in SOUTHcat records.

Indians of North America --Gambling.

Gambling on Indian reservations --United States.

Indians of North America --Government relations.

United States. Indian Health Service.

Indians of North America --Health and hygiene.

Indians of North America --Medical care.

Indian reservations --United States.

Indians of North America --Social conditions.

Indians of North America --Economic conditions.

Indians of North America --Social conditions --20th century.

Cherokee Indians.

Creek Indians.

You can limit in SOUTHcat to just e-books results by choosing "Marx Library Electronic Books" under the Limit to: option drop down menu.

To find books and government documents in USA Libraries' collections, use SOUTHcat: USA Libraries' Catalog.

• Catalog tips and tricks:
  • Keyword searches – use quotation marks to hold phrases together ("native american")
  • Truncation – use ? after the root of a word to find all its variants (critic? finds criticism, critical)
  • Browse the Subject(s) field in records to find the right words for searches. (Example: Try doing a keyword search for american indian, then look at the subject(s) field in several records. You’ll see that the subject term could be "Indians of North America." or " Indians of North America --Child welfare --United States." Click the subject heading to find more records with this subject.)
• Revise and refine your searches. Combine words or phrases.
• Watch for repeating call numbers and browse stacks in that area.
• Pay attention to the Location and Status fields. You will need this information to locate the item in the library.