To search the library catalog effectively,
√ Think of the broad aspect of your topic.
Example: "My topic is Muslim women in Turkey and their right to wear a veil." Look for books on WOMEN and (ISLAM or TURKEY or MUSLIM)
√ Find a few book titles that look promising. Write down the complete call #. Go to the shelves, find the books, and then
√ Browse. Look around for other books shelved near it.
√ Check the index and table of contents of each book you pick up. You may not have time to, or want to, read the entire book. However, there may be a great chapter on your topic or just a few pages.