Classic Catalog

What is the Classic Catalog?

The Classic Catalog searches the Washington University Libraries’ collections of books, journals, newspapers, conference proceedings, government documents, microforms, video, and audio recordings. The Classic Catalog searches Washington University Medical School’s Becker Library collection as well.

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When Should I Use the Classic Catalog?

The Classic Catalog searches the circulating campus collection and provides a more traditional and methodical search experience. Once you have a general topic in mind, the Classic Catalog will help in digging deeper. If you are looking for a specific title, the Classic Catalog is usually the better option.

Search Tips for the Classic Catalog

  • Use the Advanced Search screen to create a sophisticated search.
  • To search for an exact phrase, enclose your search terms in quote marks.
  • It is possible to mark items in your search results and send them to yourself.
  • Users can create their own search-path URLs for Author, Title, Call Number, etc., searches. Learn more about this in Creating Catalog Links below.
  • In the course of your search, you will come across different item statuses in an item’s record. Learn more about the various status messages, their meanings, and what actions can be performed in Status Messages below.

The URL path to use when creating links to the Classic Catalog is as follows: http://catalog.wustl.edu/search/[INDEX TAG HERE]?[SEARCH TERM(S) HERE]

The bold, all-caps areas designated within the square brackets is where you would input your unique index search tags and search terms. The index tags are used to identify what type of item – author, title, call number – you are searching for; the search term(s) would be your specific search.

Here is a list of commonly used when creating catalog links and what they stand for:

Index TagStands for…
aAuthor
cCall Number
dSubject
iISSN/ISBN
oOCLC Number
pCourse Instructor
rReserve Course
tTitle
XKeyword (X must be capitalized)

The Classic Catalog displays various status messages in relation to an item’s catalog record.

Here is a list of common status messages, their meaning(s), and actions users may take in response to the message(s):

MessageMeaningAction(s)
AT BINDERYItem was sent out to commercial binderyFor journals, request through ILLiad. For books, place a hold (see recalls and searches), or request through MOBIUS or ILLiad
ASK LIBRARY TO PURCHASEItem will be purchased by the library and ready for pick-up within 3 weeks.Use the request button in the library catalog. If you need the item sooner, request it through MOBIUS or ILLiad
BEING REPAIREDItem was sent to Preservation for repairsAsk Reference for assistance or request through MOBIUS or ILLiad
BILLEDItem is unavailableRequest through MOBIUS or ILLiad
CLAIMS RETURNEDItem is unavailableRequest through MOBIUS or ILLiad
DUEItem is checked outPlace a hold (see recalls and searches), or request through MOBIUS or ILLiad
1 HOLDItem is unavailableRequest through MOBIUS or ILLiad
IN PROCESSItem is awaiting catalogingUse the request button in the library catalog or submit Request an “In-Process” item
IN TRANSITItem has been checked in at other than the owning library and is being transported to the owning libraryPlace a hold (see recalls and searches), or request through MOBIUS or ILLiad
IN-HOUSE PRESERVATIONItem is receiving preservation treatment in-housePlace a hold (see recalls and searches), or request through MOBIUS or ILLiad
LIB USE ONLYAvailable for in-library use onlyIf not found on shelf, contact owning library Circulation Desk
LIB USE ONLY*Available for in-library use only. Materials from the Kranzberg Art and Architecture Library that are located in West Campus Library’s Closed Stacks may be delivered to the Kranzberg Art and Architecture Library or the Dowd Illustration Research Archive for use in their reading rooms. Other Closed Stacks materials may be delivered to Olin Library Special Collections or Dowd Illustration Research Archive for reading room use.Use the request button in the library catalog or contact owning library Circulation Desk or request through ILLiad
LOSTItem is unavailableRequest through MOBIUS or ILLiad
MISSINGItem is unavailableRequest through MOBIUS or ILLiad
MOBIUS PAGEDItem is unavailableRequest through MOBIUS or ILLiad
MOBIUS PAGED + 1 HOLDItem is unavailableRequest through MOBIUS or ILLiad
NEW BOOK DISPLAYItem is on the New Book DisplayIf not found on the shelf, place a hold (see recalls and searches) or contact owning library Circulation Desk
NO LOCAL HOLDINGSItem is unavailableRequest through MOBIUS or ILLiad
NOT CHECKED OUTItem is not checked out and should be on the shelvesIf not found on the shelf, place a hold (see recalls and searches) or contact owning library Circulation Desk
OFF CAMPUSItem is unavailableRequest through MOBIUS or ILLiad
ON HOLDSHELFItem is awaiting pick-up by a patronPlace a hold (see recalls and searches), or request through MOBIUS or ILLiad
ON ORDERItem is on order and not yet receivedSubmit Request an “On-Order” item or request through MOBIUS or ILLiad
RECENTLY ADDEDItem was recently addedIf not found on the shelf, place a hold (see recalls and searches) or contact owning library Circulation Desk
RECENTLY CHECKED INItem was recently checked inIf not found on the shelf, place a hold (see recalls and searches) or contact owning library Circulation Desk
RESTRICTED CIRCULATIONItem can be borrowed by eligible patrons onlyIf not found on the shelf, place a hold (see recalls and searches) or contact owning library Circulation Desk
SEARCHINGItem is unavailableRequest through MOBIUS or ILLiad

Need Help?

Questions? Consult the Classic Catalog FAQs or try the Ask Us! 24/7 chat service.

Report a Problem

Want to Report a Problem? If you note a problem with the Classic Catalog, please let us know using the following form: