Last Updated: Jul 16, 2025     Views: 504

How do I find a book by the author's name?

Begin on the library home page and click on the "Advanced Search" link to the bottom right of the search box.

OU libraries homepage with Advanced Search link highlighted and marked with a red arrow

This will take you to the Advanced Search screen in the library catalog.

the advanced search interface in the library catalog

 

  1. Change the search field from "Any field" to "Author/Creator."
  2. Leave the search operator as "contains" if you only know part of the name or adjust it to an exact operator type if you know the full name.
  3. Enter the name of the author with the last name first.  Example: Hardy, Thomas
  4. Change the "Material Type" selection from "All items" to "Books."
  5. Set any other filters you need and then click the "Search" button in the bottom right-hand corner to run your search.

You'll be taken to a page with your search results. Note: if you haven't already signed in to the library search website, you'll be prompted to sign-in. Click on the sign-in link in the prompt or the top right corner of the page and sign in with your OHIO ID or library patron login to see all of the materials you have access to.

Use the filters on the left-hand side of that page to further refine your search.

 

If you need help locating books by author or any other information, you can always use the OU Libraries’ Ask a Librarian services.

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Last updated: Jul 16, 2025

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