Searching the library catalog is a bit different than a simple Google search. For best results, break your research question into a few keywords. For example:
Research Question:
How have U.S. penal policies affected minority populations?
Keywords:
criminal code, penal code, minorities, United States
When searching, type a keyword into the search box, then type a second keyword separated by "AND" (in all caps).
Example: "criminal code AND minorities"
Or: "U.S. penal code AND hispanics"
Or: "crime and punishment AND african americans AND united states"
Try different combinations of keywords, or alternative keywords (such as "crime and punishment" instead of "penal system").
Keep Trying! Don't be afraid to ask for help!