If you are looking for a specific book at the Jefferson Library, follow the steps below.
Go to the TJ Portal (our online catalog) at https://tjportal.on.worldcat.org.
If you know the title of the book:
- Type in the exact title, or a distinctive phrase from the title of the book, and put it in double quote marks, e.g. "notes on the state of virginia" (you can also narrow your search to just the title field by typing ti:[title phrase], e.g. ti:notes on the state of virginia
- Hit the Enter key, or click the search button with the small magnifying glass icon next to the search box.
If you know the author of the book:
- if you know the author's full name, type it in directory-style, or simply type in the last name; for example:
- ambrose (last name only)
- ambrose, s
- ambrose, stephen
- ambrose, stephen e
- Hint: It's best to use only the author's first initial, unless it is an extremely common surname.
- click on Author Browse at the right of the screen under Search By
- OR, if you only know part of the author's name, type in the part you know and click Author; for example:
- ambrose
- cherry
- Hint: This second method only works well if the name is not a common one.
- click Search
If the search brings up the book you want
- check to see where it is located (Reading Room, Curatorial, etc.)
- if it is not located where you are, contact the Research Librarian
- check to see whether it is available (i.e. not checked out or renewed)
- if it is not available, place a hold or recall on it
- use the call number to locate the book on the shelf
- if you cannot find the book on the shelf, see the Research Librarian
If the search does not bring up the book you want
- check with the Research Librarian
- Thomas Jefferson Foundation staff, fellows, and volunteers may request an Interlibrary Loan
- if you think we should own the book, fill out our Recommendation Form
- use WorldCat to locate a library near you that does own the item
