Page contents > Use our subject pages | Just want the quick version? | Want to search beyond your reading list? | What if LSE doesn't have the book and journals I am looking for? | Still not sure what to do? Maybe some training would help ... | And finally ...
Use our subject pages
If you haven't found them already, our subject pages will give you an introduction to finding things loosely based on which department you are in. From the Library homepage|, follow the red tab link for subject pages|.
Just want the quick version?
Reading lists in Moodle
Your course may be supported by Moodle and many Moodle courses contain links to full text readings, such as journal articles or scanned readings from books. If you have any problems with links to readings from Moodle you should contact the course tutor in the first instance, but also check the Library Catalogue as below or the E-journals portal| as there may be an alternative way to access the reading.
Books on my reading list
Essential readings can be found by Course Code using the Reading Lists| option on the catalogue, but you will need to login using your LSE username and password.
Alternatively, all the books that we have can be found using the Library catalogue|. If you are looking for a specific title it is better to go to the advanced search form where there are author and title search options
When you find what you are looking for, make a note of the classmark and location. For example your book might be in the Course Collection on the Ground floor, or the main collection
Also check that the book is available. If there is a date next to a particular copy it is out on loan. If the catalogue tells you that a book is out on loan you can reserve from that page by going to Place a Request, then clicking Requests and interlending, logging in, and following the instructions. When you get to the reservation form it is often a good idea to tick the box that says 'First available copy'.
Journal articles on my reading list
Journals are also all on the catalogue|, just type in the journal title and search. You can narrow results to include only journals or e-journals if you can't see the right one straight away. If you only have an article title, you can search for it on Cross Searcher|.
Like books, the catalogue record for the printed journal will give you a location, floor, and classmark. If it is an electronic journal the record will not have a classmark, instead it will be labelled location : Electronic.
Open the record and look for 'Click here for full text'. You may need your LSE network username and password. Note that sometimes older copies of journals are available in print only so do remember to check if you don't find what you want online!
Want to search beyond your reading list?
The Library catalogue is good for doing subject searches, when you don't have a particular book in mind, because it will suggest options for narrowing down your search. Run your search and then look at the options on the left handside of the screen. For instance you can limit by publication date, type of resource (journal, DVD or book) and language.
To search for journal articles beyond your reading list you have a number of options
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The Library provides a service for LSE staff and students called Cross Searcher that searches the content of a number of selected databases and resources. This can be used to find journal articles, government reports, theses etc., and where available, links through to the full text, using the LSE article finder orange button:
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If you want to find out more use the Library subject guides. These pages will tell you about other databases not available via Cross Searcher. They also offer tips and advice on researching your subject area. You can even find out how to contact a Liaison Librarian who can offer you more specialist help.
Please remember that not everything will lead you to the full text online - you may still sometimes have to check on the Library Catalogue that we have access to the journal.
What if LSE doesn't have the book and journals I am looking for?
If you find that this is the case, take a look at our Using other libraries |webpages. LSE students are able to use many other academic libraries in London and these pages will help you search their catalogues using the InforM25 catalogue| and check what you need for access.
Still not sure what to do? Maybe some training would help ...
Staff at our Help Desk on the first floor of the Library will be able to show you how to get started with most searches for books or journal articles, but if you are off campus or just think you need more in-depth help there are again a range of options - all of which can be found from our Information Skills |page.
Or maybe you need help with other aspects of study skills or IT that the Library can't help with? If so, visit the LSE training portal|. Here you will find courses from most of the LSE training providers gathered together on one handy page.
And finally ...
... if you still can't find what you're looking for. ASK!
For Library help you can either come in to the Help Desk as above or email us on Library.enquiries@lse.ac.uk| or if you need help constructing your essay you can contact the Teaching and Learning Centre |but don't forget to make sure you give us enough time to help you find what you need in good time before your deadline.