VuFind Online
Library Catalog:
Narrow Your Search
General Description:
Once you have conducted a general search, the VuFind catalog gives you the option to narrow
your results by facets. Facet categories include title, author, topic, subject, format, era, and more.
The most helpful facets are topic (which pulls from the subject field of the library record), title,
and author. Each category has a list of facets to choose from to narrow your search. When you
click on a facet, you are taken to a new results page.
Why Narrow Your Search?
The VuFind Catalog is a great way to conduct a broad search and then narrow your results by the
helpful Facets on the right-hand side of the results page. Depending on your keywords (see
example below: global warming), you may get anywhere from 0 to over 10,000 results. The
facets can help you narrow in on a specific topic, idea, format, or author.
How Narrow is too Narrow?
While the facets are helpful, it is possible to narrow your results too much. For instance, once
you have selected a facet, you will get a new facets list. If you continue clicking on new facets,
your results will narrow until you have only a few. A good rule of thumb is to note the number
next to the option you select. This number indicates how many results exist for this option. If you
find yourself not getting the results you need or want, you can use the browser’s back arrow to
retrace your steps.
Narrow Your Search:
1. Begin your search in VuFind by entering your search terms and selecting Find.
2. You will then retrieve a results page.
3. On the right-hand side of the page you will see which Facets are already applied. You will also
see options with which to Narrow Your Search. See image below:
4. Facets may vary based on your search.
5. Each facet will list how many items were retrieved in that facet.
6. For additional facets, click “more…”
7. Select the facet you would like to narrow by and look through the results.