Searching for Information
With so many different collections available to search from, the choices and procedures can be difficult to remember or understand.
Listed here are the functions of each search option we offer to the public, along with instructions on how to make use of the special features of some of them.
Ibistro
Ibistro serves as the Cape Breton Regional Library's electronic card catalogue. With it, you will be able to search for the different materials we have at each branch, as well as perform actions such as placing a book on hold.
To use the special features of Ibistro such as placing holds, you will be asked for your user ID and PIN. Your user ID is the number located on the back of your library card (to be typed in without the spaces). Your PIN is the last four digits of your phone number.
Infotrac Magazine Catalogue
Infotrac allows full text access to millions of popular and acedemic articles. This servicesp is available to all users when using computers located at a CBRL branch, or from home using the number located on the back of your library card (to be typed without spaces).
There are two means by which to access the Infotrac search.
- The first method is for library members who are searching from home. This option is available by clicking 'Magazines/Journals (Infotrac)' in the navigation menu, or by clicking here.
- The second is only available while using a computer terminal while at a library branch of the CBRL. This option is availble byclicking the 'Infotrac via Library' link in the navigation menu, or by clicking here.
World Book Online Reference Center
World Book Online Reference Center includes an encyclopedia, videos, pictures, dictionary and magazine articles. Direct access to World Book Online is available using a computer at a CBRL branch. To access World Book Online from outside a library branch, enter cbrl as both the ID and password.
- If you are browsing on a computer from outside the library, you can access the World Book Online by clicking the 'World Book Encyclopedia' link in the navigation menu, or by clicking here.
- If you wish to make use of direct access to the World Book and are on a computer at one of the CBRL library branches, you can do so by clicking on the 'World Book via Library' link in the navigation menu, or by clicking here.
Chilton Automotive Information
The Chilton database allows access to online auto repair manuals. Access to Chilton is done through the Infotrac service (detailed above). Once you enter the Infotrac page from our website, scroll down and click on the ChiltonLibrary.com link enter the website.
Vertical File Index
Started in the 1960s, the vertical file index holds a number of clippings from local newspapers as well as pamphlets and other items not typically part of the library collection. The collection of clippings and pamplets are stored at the James McConnell branch located in Sydney.
Obituaries and other items pertaining to genealogical research are not stored within the vertical file index.
The Nova Scotia Collection
The Nova Scotia Collection is comprised of over 3000 items spanning three centuries of information regarding the history of Nova Scotia as well as local and pronvicial topics.
The collection is housed at the James McConnell Memorial Library, located in Sydney.
LeughSeo
LeughSeo is an English/Gaelic catalogue created by the CBRL and Cape Breton University using their combined Gaelic records.
CBRL Plays Collection
The online plays database allows the searching of both classic and rare plays targetted at both youth and adults.
Novanet via Cape Breton University
Use the Novanet services (provided through Cape Breton University) to search the collections of libraries from accross the province.
