After searching the catalog to determine that a new record is needed, you can search the Library of Congress database and potentially other databases, known as targets, using the Z39.50 protocol to find a matching record to download. The Library of Congress database has records for everything the Library of Congress adds to their collection, which is primarily hardcover books from major American publishers.

You can go to Z39.50 from either the portal page or the catalog menu.

Select targets using checkboxes. One of the sources should always be the local catalog (meaning the NOBLE catalog) even though you should have already searched it. The other target is usually the Library of Congress.

Enter your search term – ISBN is usually the best option. Click Search.

Matching records will be listed in the grid below the search, and will include the Source. Use the View MARC button to make sure the record found matches the item in hand. If it's a match, use the Import button to add it to the system. The Import message includes a link to go directly to the new record.