LibrarySearch has had a facelift over the summer – as well as a streamlined new user interface, it has some nifty new functionality too. We carried out extensive user testing earlier in the year and many of the changes we made to the look and feel are the direct result of the feedback you gave us!
What is LibrarySearch?
LibrarySearch is our academic search engine; like Google but for scholarly and academic materials! It is the quick and easy way to search and access our print collections and most of our online content from one simple search box.
How does it work?
LibrarySearch is designed to be very easy to use and although there is a new streamlined interface and it looks quite different, it still works in the same way:
- a default simple search
- refine results using the filters
- quickly save items of interest for later, export items directly into your RefWorks library
- manage loans and fines etc. via My Account
- and lots more!
- Remember, LibrarySearch ‘automagically’ renews your loans for you provided there are no requests for other borrowers (1 and 4 week loans renew twice and Overnight loans renew once)
What has changed?
Some of the key updates include:
- Streamlined user interface – LibrarySearch has a new UI which is less cluttered and easier to use. It is fully mobile optimised too so can be viewed on any phone or tablet.
- Brief results display – all material types are included in the results list and are clearly marked e.g. Book, Article, Conference Proceeding, Newspaper Article etc. Where there are multiple versions of a title available you’ll see a single item in the results list but it will clearly indicate that multiple versions exist. You’ll also see quick action icons in the results list allowing you to save items for later, export into RefWorks, email results etc. right from the brief record in the results list!
- Filters – the filters are now on the right hand side of the screen and are minimised to display more categories. Click ‘show more’ to view the full list of filters under a section.
- Improved include and exclude options – if you wish to include any filter such as ‘Full text online’, a specific content type or subject area, just hover over it and tick the check box to the left of it. To exclude something e.g. if you don’t want any newspaper articles or book reviews to be included in the results list, hover over the filter and click the red check box to the right of it. Once you’ve finished click the ‘Apply Filters’ button – you can now add as many filters are you like.
- ‘Sticky facets’ – this means that once you’ve added your filters to a search they’ll remain until you click the ‘Reset Filters’ button.
- Multiple tabs removed and replaced with the Details screen – the tabs from the results list have gone giving a much more streamlined view. Clicking on the title or links in the brief record from the results list will take you into the item Details screen. From here you can scroll up and down to see all information about the title including Get it (print) and View it (online) details and links, plus send to options for exporting and emailing etc. You can also place requests on unavailable items from the Details screen.
- Endless scrolling – the results list no longer contains pages, simply keep scrolling down to load more results.
- Saved items & My Favourites – you now click the pin icon in the results list to save items for later (you must be signed in to do this) My Favourites is now split into saved items, saved searches, and search history and is organised by labels rather than by folders.
- Tags – there is now a tags link on the top menu bar. Tags allows users to categorise items (books, journal articles etc.) into lists which are then indexed and shared with other users on the new tags page. You can search for tags and add your own on the Details screen of an item. You could add tags such as module codes, tutor name, additional keywords or coursework titles.
- Automated query expansion – LibrarySearch will give you a helping hand with some of your search terms. For example, if you searched for ‘heart attack symptoms’ LibrarySearch will automatically include ‘myocardial infarction’ and include both in the results list.
Where can I find LibrarySearch?
LibrarySearch is everywhere! The direct URL is http://librarysearch.abertay.ac.uk – bookmark this!
There are LibrarySearch search boxes on the Library website and in the Study Support section of Blackboard.
There’s also a LibrarySearch tile on My Abertay – when you click through from here, you don’t need to sign in again at the top right as you’re already authenticated.
Where can I get help with LibrarySearch?
There’s a LibrarySearch help page and FAQ on the Library website (path is: Abertay Library > Finding Resources > Resources A-Z > LibrarySearch)
Come along to a Library & IT Drop-in Session for one-to-one help with LibrarySearch – they’re held in the Training Suite, Level 2 of the Library every Tuesday 11-12, Wednesday 12-1, and Thursday 3-4.
For general queries email library@abertay.ac.uk or to report technical issues email librarysystems@abertay.ac.uk
What’s next?
There will continue to be new features rolled out over the next few months. We’ll update you as and when they happen. We’re particularly excited about the Database A-Z service which should be ready in November. Stay tuned!