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The University of Massachusetts Amherst
Libraries Ask Us

NRC 100 Environment and Society

Fish ecology and conservation assignment

Strategies and Resources

Five Colleges Library Catalog

To find books at UMass only, use the Five Colleges Library Catalog and select the UMass link (top right). 

To cast a wider net, search all Five Colleges at once. You can get any physical book from the other colleges delivered here.

Strategies:

  • Use a keyword search to find books with good subject headings - then use subject headings instead of keywords!
  • Start with specific search terms - then use broader terms if necessary 
  • Try broad categories, browsing the sub-topics
  • Try the Advanced Search and limit by date, language, format or with additional words
To get a book from one of the other Four Colleges, click REQUEST at the top (left) of the catalog record for the book and use your library barcode number to have it brought to campus for you. You will receive an e-mail in 1-3 days to pick up the book at the UMass Library.

For the widest search, use WorldCat. This finds titles whether the UMass Amherst Libraries have access or not. 

If a book you want is not available in the Five College Library System, request a copy to borrow for free through InterLibrary Loan.