NUsearch is Northwestern's Discovery System/Catalog.  Search under the "Books, Images, and more" tab to find books, journals (when you know the title), and media that Northwestern owns. You can use keywords in Basic search (the system assumes you want all of the words) or be more specific with Advanced search. The facets on the left of the search results allow you to refine searches.

Here are some search examples: 

• Basic search:
  • monstrous literature 
• Advanced search: 
  • Octavia Butler as Author (to find books by Butler)
  • Octavia Butler as Subject (to find books about Butler)
    • Also try "Butler Octavia"
  • Comparative Literature Studies as a Journal title

Note that many Electronic books are available via NUsearch.  The library has many such books, in a variety of formats. Check out the Guide to Using E-Books for some tips.

The library holds many periodicals and books, but sometimes we do not have full-text access to an article, nor do we have a particular book. If we do not have a certain article or book, place an Interlibary Loan request; we will try to get the article scanned from another library and have it sent to your email. Books and media can also be sent. 

To find books not available at Northwestern, use WorldCat.  Many WorldCat titles will be available through Interlibrary Loan.