Search Tips

As a general rule, unless you want to see all titles listed for an entire subject, it is best to narrow your search as much as possible. Choose search terms that best identify the item you want to find. Remember that you can use specific criteria (keyword, author, title) on the Advanced Search page to refine the results. It can also be helpful to avoid using common words like "the" or "and."

Examples:
Keyword—If you are searching for a CD and you enter the search term "classical" you will find all CDs containing performances of classical music. On the other hand if you enter the search term "classical violin" you will find only classical music selections that contain classical violin performances. Additional classical music search fields are also available in Advanced Search, allowing you to search by composer, conductor, work, and even catalog number.

In a DVD search, entering the keywords "film noir" will bring up a list of all movies listed with a subject type of "film noir."

ISBN search—Choosing ISBN search in the book category and entering 1593300522 finds one specific paperback edition of the book Beloved by Toni Morrison. To see all available editions, search for either the title or the author.

If you are searching for audio books or books on CD you have two options. You can search for the item by author, which will bring up a list of all books in all formats (hardcover, paperback, audio, etc.) and then narrow your search by choosing audio books under category or format. You may also search by entering the author's name and the word "audio" as a keyword search.

Example: "grisham audio" will return all audio books by authors with the last name of Grisham.

Search Results
Search results are automatically sorted by top matches (relevancy) so that the items that most closely match your search terms appear first. If you prefer to sort the complete results alphabetically, by bestsellers, title, price, publication date, or contributor, you may do so by selecting the appropriate choice from the "sort by" drop-down menu on the right side of the screen.

You can view your results as a set of cover images or as a list. Cover is the default view. However, if you prefer to see a list, click on the "view as list" button above or below the search results. On the cover view, hold your mouse over the image to see title information and links for more info. Each cover also links to the title detail page when clicked.

Search results will show all titles that match your search. You'll see the title, author/artist, format (hardcover, paperback, CD, DVD), and the suggested list price. Please note that prices may not reflect any available in-store discounts. Since publishers and labels change prices from time to time, it is possible for different stores to carry the same item at slightly different prices (depending upon the price of the item at the time we purchased it). To view full bibliographic details on any item in the search results list, click on the title.

By holding your cursor over the Want It? box, you will discover that you have several options available:
Add to Cart: Adds the item to your shopping cart for purchase.
Reserve In-Store: Checks the availability at your local Borders store and holds the item for pick-up.
Get Details: Provides more detail on the title as well as access to customer reviews and the option to Send to a Friend.
Add to Wish List: Allows you to save the item in your Wish List for future purchase.