Advanced Search.
This page allows you to construct a more detailed and accurate search. This is done by combining and filtering your search terms using different fields and drop-down menus.
You can enter words into the search fields of keyword, title, author, and subject, and combine them. For example, if you know only part of a title and the author's first name, enter these into the required fields and click on the Search button or press Enter.
From the drop-down menus you can select to limit your search by any of the below:
Subject Interest Code.
You can also search by Subject Interest Codes (SICs). These are the RNZFB's own subject categories. To search by subject interest, first select a broad subject from the 'Select a Category' drop-down menu. The page will then re-load briefly, populating the second drop-down menu entitled 'Select an Interest'. Select a SIC from this drop-down menu and continue your search. For example, selecting 'Travel and History' from the 'Category' box will then allow you to specify 'New Zealand History' from the 'Interest' box.
Format.
Retrieve results containing only your preferred format.
Reading Level.
Search results based on the age level of the material.
Language.
Specify whether you want materials in English or Maori.
Collection.
Search a particular collection within the library.
Search Examples.
You can combine more than one search field and select from more than one drop-down menu to refine your search. For example, by entering the word Pride into the Title field, the word Austen into the Author field, then by selecting '4 Track Talking Book' as the format, the item retrieved is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, in 4 Track Talking Book.
In another instance you may know the author's name but wish to know what items the library has in the genre of mystery by that author. By entering the words Dick Francis into the Author field, and by selecting Mystery and Detective Stories as the SIC, the items retrieved will all be items by Dick Francis that are categorised as mysteries. It will not be a list of all the Dick Francis items has your search has limited them by genre of mystery.
If you prefer to use the Advanced Search features whenever you access the library catalogue, you can use the User Preferences page to set the advanced search features as your default main search page. Change these settings by clicking on the My Preferences link on the main page.