The library's online catalog is that database to use to discover books. Searching in the catalog requires the use of keywords with a very broad approach. The catalog isn't like Google or library periodical database/index. The search does not pull from the content within the book. The search will look for the keywords in the title, notes, description, and table of contents when available.
Using the library's URsearch option is another way of discovering books. The search box is found on the library's homepage and other pages on the library's website. The is considered the library's federated search (Google-like search), in that it pulls articles, books, videos, and images, from all of the library's resources. The use of filters/limiters to limit to the material type and publication date range will produce a manageable list.