Bearcat is the library's catalog, and the best, most focused way to locate books on dance history.
We have three ways for you to get the books you need: the SUNY Potsdam library itself, other SUNY libraries through Resource Sharing, and from WorldCat through Interlibrary Loan. I would recommend searching in the following order:
1. SUNY Potsdam Library
2. Other SUNY Libraries (resource sharing usually takes around a week for the book to arrive)
3. WorldCat (depending on the library where the book is coming from, Interlibrary Loan can take several weeks)
To find a book in BearCat, the best approach is simply to do an EVERYTHING search from the library's front page.
Filter your findings by using the TWEEK MY RESULTS tools on the left of the screen. The FORMAT (what is this thing?) and SUBJECT (what is this book about?) are the most effective ways to quickly cut your returns down to a manageable total. You will also be able to tell if a book is physical--which will include a call number showing its location in the library's book stacks--or if it is an online book, which can immediately be accessed through the "Available Online" link.
The full catalog record includes links to the book's subjects (think of them as hashtags), which can help you find more books on the topic, as well as a description of the book, and its citation. Just be sure to check over the citation for accuracy before using it in your finished paper.
If you don't find what you need at SUNY Potsdam's library, you can expand your search to other SUNY campus libraries and libraries worldwide through World Cat.
To search other SUNYs, simply select All SUNY Library Catalogs from the Quick Search dropdown box. Once you access the book you want, you can order it by clicking the SUNY Resource Sharing box underneath the How to Get It header in the book's catalog entry. Books ordered from other SUNY libraries typically take about 7-10 days to arrive.
To order from WorldCat, you'll first need to create an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) account, which you can do through the Interlibrary Loan link on the front page of the library's website. Access WorldCat itself by clicking the WorldCat link just above that ILL link. Once you've conducted your search and selected the book you want, you can see what libraries have it by clicking the "Library" icon near the top left, and can order it by clicking the "Request item through ILLiad" link under Get This Item. Sometimes, interlibrary loan requests through World Cat arrive very quickly, and other times, they can take a few weeks or more to arrive, so be sure to start your research early enough that you'll have time to get the book.
