The New LibrarySearch is Here!

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!

New LibrarySearch Home Screen

Item Details Screen

Results Screen including Quick Action icons and Filters

Library Building Refurbishment and Borrowing During the Summer

Hello!

You’ve probably already seen some correspondence about the Library refurbishment but we thought we’d send out an update for you.

Photo credit: Lisa Clark

Library Services are super excited about the refurbishment plans: we’re long overdue a bit of a face lift!  We’re currently surrounded by crates and boxes as we’re packing up the Library ready for the summer move.  Phase one of the refurbishment begins next Monday, 8th May 2017 so the Library building will be closed to all staff and students from 10pm this Friday, 5th May 2017 until the start of the new Academic year.

Where are we moving to?

Library Services will be moving over to room 3006 on Level 3 of the Kydd Building for the duration of the summer.  We are moving next Wednesday so should be all settled by the end of the week – our door will be open so do feel free to pop in past to say hello.

Library and IT Drop-ins

We will be running a weekly Library and IT drop-in session during the summer so you can still get specialist one-to-one help from an Academic Librarian or Digital Skills Officer.

The drop-in sessions will take place every Wednesday between 12-1pm in Room 3010 (Level 3, Kydd Building) from the 17th May 2017.  We’ll send out regular reminders via social media so do keep an eye on our Twitter and Facebook accounts.  You can also email us for help.

Accessing Resources During the Summer

All of our online resources are available 24/7 from anywhere!  Yes, even if you’re sunning yourself in an exotic location you can still read that journal article or eBook 🙂

LibrarySearch – our Academic search tool searches across most of our online journal and ebook collections, databases and OA repositories from one simple search box.

A-Z Online Resources – a list of authenticated links to our subscription collections and databases.  Use this page if you want to go direct to a resource and start searching.

Borrowing Lending Material 

Even though the Library will be closed for refurbishment you can still borrow books from us.  To make this process as easy as possible, from Monday 1st May ALL loans (normal, weekly, overnight etc.) will issue out for the entire summer and be due back on Monday 4th September 2017.  NB: items are subject to being requested by another borrower – please check your Abertay email for any library notices telling you that your due date has been amended.

This book retrieval service will be operated by SEZ from their summer location: Student Centre – Level 1 Reception Desk:

• Students/staff should check LibrarySearch for availability of item(s) required and take a note of: author, title, edition, collection and class number.
• This information should be communicated to SEZ either in person (Student Centre – Level 1) or by email/instant messaging.
• As long as access to the library building is permitted, books will be collected twice daily Monday-Friday (morning and afternoon).
• Items requested in the morning will be available for collection in the afternoon of the same day after 2pm. Items requested in the afternoon will be available for collection the following day from 10am.
• Any items requested that are currently out on loan will be handled in the normal way.

Anyway, we’d better get back to the packing…  More updates on the refurbishment soon!

All of the crates! We’re busy packing up the Library

Test the new LibrarySearch interface to win a £50 Amazon voucher!

Calling volunteers: your Library needs you!

We’re looking for participants from all years of study to help us test out the brand new LibrarySearch interface.  This is your chance to have input into how our Discovery system performs – if there’s something you don’t like, we want to know!

Between Tuesday 18th-Thursday 27th April look out for pop-up testing sessions around the Library.  Each session takes around 30 minutes with a few set tasks aimed at gathering feedback on functionality and usability plus you’ll have the opportunity to make suggestions on the overall look and feel of the system.

If you’d prefer to book an appointment to give your feedback please email library@abertay.ac.uk or complete the contact form below and we’ll arrange a suitable date/time.

All participants will be entered into a prize draw with one lucky winner bagging a £50 Amazon voucher!  That’s not to be sniffed at 🙂  There will also be goodies handed out to a few runners up.

We really value your input and hope you’ll be excited to see the changes coming with the new version of LibrarySearch.  It has a much more streamlined interface plus a lot of nifty functionality which will make the process of finding and using information much easier.

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IEEE Xplore Digital Library Trial Access – We Need Your Help!

We currently have trial access to IEEE Xplore Digital Library!  It is a great resource for Engineering and Computing subjects and the trial is running until the end of March, 2017.

What is it?

The IEEE Xplore digital library is a powerful resource for discovery of and access to scientific and technical content published by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) and its publishing partners.

IEEE Xplore provides online access to more than 4 million full-text documents from some of the world’s most highly cited publications in electrical engineering, computer science and electronics.

What content does it have?

• IEEE Journals – 180+ titles
• IEEE Conference Proceedings – 1,600+ annual titles
• IET Journals – 26 titles
• IET Conference Proceedings – 20+ titles
• IEEE Active, Historical and Archive standards – 2,800+ titles
• VDE Verlag Conference Proceedings – 20+ titles
• Bell Labs Technical Journal

How do I access IEEE content?

All IEEE content is discoverable via LibrarySearch

Results in LibrarySearch will look like this:

We need your help!

We previously had a subscription to IEEE but it expired at the end of 2015.  We know that there’s loads of great content for us and that you like the Xplore platform.  However, we really need you to test out accessing IEEE content via LibrarySearch and let us know how you get on:

• Do you find IEEE content is surfacing at the top of your results list?
• Can you link through to the full-text easily?
• What kind of search terms are you using?
• Are you seeing lots of results for IEEE content?

Please send us your feedback – all is welcome, good and bad.  You can send it via Twitter, Facebook,  email us, tell your Academic Librarian, write it on the feedback walls in the Library.  We don’t mind how you let us know, but please do tell us what you think!

 

Four Reasons to Love LibrarySearch

Valentine’s Day is a distant memory but it is still #LibraryLoversMonth so today we’re feeling the love for LibrarySearch.

Here are four reasons why you should love LibrarySearch as much as we do (there are loads more but we’re keeping it brief!)

1. Remember the old days when if you wanted to search multiple databases you had to go into each one individually and carry out your searches?  We do!  LibrarySearch saves you precious time as it searches over 300 databases and collections at once from a simple search box.  It is searching good quality scholarly and content and also lets you apply peer-review filters etc. to ensure your results are suitable for use in academic coursework.  Much of the content that LibrarySearch is searching is not freely available on the web but can only be accessed via Library subscriptions.  Of course, there is still a need to search specialist databases individually but LibrarySearch is definitely the best place to start your research process.
2. Are you rubbish at remembering to check when your loans are due back and clicking that renew button?  No problem!  LibrarySearch will ‘automagically’ renew your loans with the clever auto-renewals function.  If you have a normal 28 day loan issued out to you, and nobody else has requested it (that is the important bit) – that item can auto-renew for up to 12 weeks.  You don’t have worry about renewing as we’ve taken care of it for you.  However, if your item is requested by another borrower, you’ll need to return it by the due date (you’ll get an email sent out with the details)  Remember, you can check your due dates by logging into My Account in LibrarySearch.
3. We recommend that you always sign in (top right) to LibrarySearch before you start searching.  Once you’re signed in you can utilise the cool personalised services that are available – these are designed to make finding and using items much easier. Saved Items allows you to save, organise and edit items from your search results. Just click the star icon next to an item in the results list to save it for later. LibrarySearch then highlights the icon and adds the item to your ‘basket’ in Saved Items and it will stay there until you move or delete it.  You can sort saved items into folders and export directly into RefWorks – you’ll never lose that amazing article you found at 3am ever again!  You can also save search terms (queries) for later so you can run the same search to see if any new items are available in your areas of interest.  You can also set up alerts so that LibrarySearch automatically runs these searches for you.  See the Personalised Services tab in the help section on the LibrarySearch homepage for full details.
4. You can easily follow citation trails in LibrarySearch to see lists of items cited by an article or Items citing an article and can click through to view these in Scopus or Web of Science.  Next to some article results you’ll see Citations and Cited by buttons (in red) on the right hand side of the results screen.  Clicking on these will show you lists of articles which have cited or have been cited by the original result.  Remember, we might not have online access to all articles listed here – if we don’t you will see the Request through inter-Library Loan option.  If you click on the Times Cited tab under a specific article, you can then link out to Scopus or Web of Science to view the citations there.  This is a great way to see the reach of a particular article or piece or research and allows you to target your reading around a certain topic.

Happy searching!  If you have any queries about using LibrarySearch, or any other Library resource, please get in touch as we’re happy to help!

Library Essentials for Christmas: Top Tips to Help you Access Resources From Home

The holidays are fast approaching so here’s a few handy tips to guide you through the festive season!

The Library will be closed from 5pm on Friday 23rd December and re-opens on Thursday 5th January 2017.

Don’t worry – no Library books or loans you have will be due back when we’re closed!

Hopefully you’ll get plenty of time to relax and enjoy a mince pie or five, but if you want to get cracking with coursework you can access ALL of our online resources from home.  However, to make sure you can get to the book or article you’re after as easily as possible without having to hunt for the right login option, always use LibrarySearch or the links on our Library web pages.

LibrarySearch

With LibrarySearch you can quickly and easily get to the full text of most* of our resources from one simple search box.  You’ll find all items from reading lists on LibrarySearch, whether they’re print or online resources. *If you’re looking for specialist content, you need to go direct to the following resources: Westlaw, Lexis Library, Construction Information Service, and Key Note.

 

Always sign in (top right) before you start searching as this will allow you to save items from your results list for later and check the due dates of any items you’ve borrowed (My Account)

There’s a help section on the LibrarySearch home screen – just scroll down past the boxes and select the tab you want.  There’s some top tips here on searching and refining.

Here’s a quick overview video showing you around LibrarySearch:

Here’s a quick guide to finding items from a reading list on LibrarySearch:

A-Z Online Resources and Subject Guides

If you prefer to search your favourite databases directly (who doesn’t have a favourite database?!) rather than using LibrarySearch, please use the links provided on the A-Z Online Resources page or from your designated Subject Guide.  These links have authentication built in so will prompt you for your network username and password.  If you use Google when on-campus, you’ll still get through to the full-text articles as we’ve got IP authentication enabled for all of our subscribed content.  If you try that off-campus, you’ll spend ages hunting around for the correct login (institutional/Shibboleth, never Athens) before you finally get to the Abertay content – or often, you won’t be able to access it at all via Google.  To keep things nice and simple, use these links for access.

Google Scholar

If Google Scholar is where you go to search for articles, make sure you’re not missing out on all those great resources the Library pays loads of money for!  Again, when you’re on-campus you don’t need to worry as our content is set up to show as available in Google Scholar.  If you’re searching at home, just go to: Settings > Library Links then search for Abertay (Show Library Access Links For) and tick the box for View It @ Abertay.  You can also choose to export directly from Google Scholar into RefWorks.  Go to: Settings > Search Results > Bibliography Manager then pick RefWorks from the drop-down and click save.  Hey presto!  You’ll now get links to all of our subscribed content in your results list and see an Import into RefWorks link under all results.  This will help you to keep track of all those important articles you find – no more scribbling references on bits of paper!

Click here for more help and info on Google Scholar.

Following these tips will ensure that you are able to access all of the same content and resources from home as you can when you’re in the Library.

And finally, have a great holiday and we’ll see you all in 2017!

LibrarySearch Fast Facts!

Here’s a little infographic (created with Canva) with some tips and facts about LibrarySearch – enjoy!

If you have any queries about LibrarySearch, please let us know

Reminder: replace old bookmarked URLs with LibrarySearch

Hello!

Just a reminder that if you have old links to Summon or the Library Catalogue bookmarked, these should be deleted as these services are no longer active.  Please replace these with the LibrarySearch URL

With LibrarySearch you can search our collections (electronic and print), check your account (renew loans, place requests, pay fines etc.) all in one place!

If you have any queries about LibrarySearch, please let us know at library@abertay.ac.uk or, if you need to report any issues with LibrarySearch (error messages, broken links, functionality etc.) please contact librarysystems@abertay.ac.uk

Thanks 🙂

Welcome to LibrarySearch – Our new Library system is now live

Our Library System is live!

Library Services are very excited to announce that our new Library system is now live! Both Summon and the Library Catalogue have been replaced with a system called LibrarySearch – it has all the functionality (and more) of both those systems but in a single, simple interface.

Summon is still currently working so this is more of a gradual switch over than a sudden switch off.  We’re in a transitional phase right now where Summon and the Library catalogue and all of our associated links, support pages and guidance are being replaced.  This should be a smooth process with minimal disruption to our staff and students.  But, if you do have any concerns or encounter any problems, please get in touch.

More about LibrarySearch

You can search all of our print books and journals, games and DVDs, eBooks and online journal articles, conference proceedings, databases* and much more from a single, simple interface!

*There are a few of specialist databases which we recommend searching separately.  What you are and are not searching is clearly marked on the LibrarySearch home page.

LibrarySearch is very similar to Summon with its simple keyword search and refining via facets and filters.  However, it also provides added features and functionality to make the user experience even easier.  LibrarySearch is intuitive to use, is fully mobile-optimised so can be viewed on any device, and provides enriched discovery with features such as recommendations and citation trails.

Key points to Note:

• Simple interface – LibrarySearch is the single place to go to search for physical and online content, renew your loans, pay fines, place requests and more. (It is necessary to log-in to LibrarySearch using your network username and password before you start searching.  This provides streamlined access and enhanced functionality)
• Increased functionality – LibrarySearch allows you to discover and view online content without leaving the interface. Tabs provide links to various services including placing requests via Interlibrary Loan (some fees apply) and viewing citations via Web of Science and Scopus.
• Auto-renewals – If there are no requests on items you’ve borrowed, the system will automatically renew these for you as if by magic! Normal loans (28 days) and weekly loans can auto-renew twice and Overnight loans can auto-renew once.
• Overnight loans – Short Loans have been re-vamped as Overnight Loans. These high-demand items can be booked in advance, can be auto-renewed once (providing there are no other bookings) and have a reduced fine rate of 50p per hour.
• Increased borrowing – Postgraduate students and researchers can now borrow up to 20 items.
• RefWorks – You will still be able to export citations directly into RefWorks via Saved Items/My Account in LibrarySearch (switching from Summon to LibrarySearch has no impact on your existing RefWorks folders)
• No loss of access – You will still have access to all content you do currently.  Individual collections and databases should still be accessed via your Subject Guides.
• Help and Support – there’s a handy help guide on the LibrarySearch homepage.  Click the tabs to read more about each topic.  More user guides and videos will follow soon.

You can find LibrarySearch here.  Please bookmark this link for future reference.

Let us know what you think!  If you have feedback on LibrarySearch or discover any issues, please email us on librarysystems@abertay.ac.uk

We’re really looking forward to talking to you all and showing you LibrarySearch in action during our classes, workshops and drop-ins!

Introducing LibrarySearch! New Library System Goes Live 30th June 2016

Library Services are very excited to announce that our new Library system will go live on Thursday 30^th June 2016.

Our current Library Management System,Voyager, will be replaced by Alma and our Resource Discovery System, Summon, will be replaced by Primo.  Both products are provided by Ex Libris and are used in Universities all around the world.  These new products are fully integrated which means we are waving goodbye to our old friend the Library Catalogue.  There’s now a single way to search for print and online content and it looks a little something like this:

Alma

Alma is a next-generation Library Management Solution which means that behind-the-scenes workflows such as ordering and processing our physical stock and activating our online content is far more unified and streamlined.  This is good news for us but even better news for our staff and students as it allows for a better level of service.

Primo (AKA LibrarySearch)

Primo is a Resource Discovery System similar to Summon and will replace both it and the Library Catalogue.  We’ve branded our version of Primo as LibrarySearch – and it does exactly that: search all of our print books and journals, games and DVDs, eBooks and online journal articles, conference proceedings, databases* and much more from a single, simple interface!

*There are a few of specialist databases which we recommend searching separately.  What you are and are not searching is clearly marked on the LibrarySearch home page.

LibrarySearch is very similar to Summon with its simple keyword search and refining via facets and filters.  However, it also provides added features and functionality to make the user experience even easier.  LibrarySearch is intuitive to use, is fully mobile-optimised so can be viewed on any device, and provides enriched discovery with features such as recommendations and citation trails.

No need to worry about learning how to use another search tool – if you can use Google, you can use LibrarySearch.

Results display in LibrarySearch in a similar way to Summon (see below)  You can refine using facets, filters and a date slider on the left of the screen and access services and additional functionality via the tabs on the middle of the screen under each result and also to the right of the screen:

Example of the LibrarySearch mobile interface (on iPhone)

LibrarySearch – Preview

You can have a sneak peek of LibrarySearch here – try some searches and see what you think of the user interface.

**Please remember that this is not live until 30th June – we’re still working on content for the home page and some functionality is being tweaked. Please just use this for testing, don’t try to renew or place requests etc.**

Key Changes

Here’s a very quick overview of some of the key changes you’ll see as a result of the new system from a user perspective.

• LibrarySearch – the single place to go to search for physical and online content, renew your loans, pay fines, place requests and more. *It is necessary to log-in to LibrarySearch using your network username and password before you start searching.  This provides streamlined access and enhanced functionality*
• Increased functionality – LibrarySearch allows you to discover and view online content without leaving the interface. Tabs provide links to various services including placing requests via Interlibrary Loan (some fees apply)
• Auto-renewals – If there are no requests on items you’ve borrowed, the system will automatically renew these for you as if by magic! Normal loans (28 days) and weekly loans can auto-renew twice and Overnight loans can auto-renew once.
• Overnight loans – Short Loans have been re-vamped as Overnight Loans. These high-demand items can be booked in advance, can be auto-renewed once (providing there are no other bookings) and have a reduced fine rate of 50p per hour.
• Increased borrowing – Postgraduate students and researchers can now borrow up to 20 items.

Future developments – Reading List System

As if that wasn’t enough, there’s more!  Towards the end of August we’ll be launching Leganto which is a Reading List System also provided by Ex Libris so will work seamlessly with our new Library System.  In addition, Leganto will be integrated with Blackboard.  You can find out more here

Minimal Disruption to Services

We’ve been busy beavering away on this for well over a year now: cleaning and migrating data, getting trained up on all aspects of the system (we even had to sit an exam to become Alma Certified Administrators!), configuring workflows and making sure all our systems and resources are integrated correctly, and of course working on getting the LibrarySearch interface just right…

We’ve tried to have as little disruption as possible to all Library services during the various phases of the project.  As we ‘re now very much on the last leg and are switching things over, there will be some interruptions. Self-service facilities (book issues, returns, online renewals, holds and recalls or fine payments) are unavailable between Monday 27th June and Thursday 30th June. Books and other materials can still be taken out on loan, but will need to be issued manually from the SEZ desk on Level 1.

We will also be unable to process any new library memberships or any SCONUL Access/Dundee University library authorisations during this period.

Apologies for this disruption but this slight blip is unavoidable at this point in the switch over.

Help and Support

As mentioned, LibrarySearch is very similar to Summon and is nice and easy to use.  However, we will still be proving help and support as well as guidance on the various features and functionality – the Library intranet pages and YouTube channel will be updated over the coming weeks to include shiny new videos, FAQs, user guides etc.  We’ll also be communicating with you regularly via our social media channels giving updates and top tips.  If you’re not already following us, please do!  Here’s our Twitter and our Facebook links for you.

Feedback

We’d love to hear your thoughts on LibrarySearch.  If you have any suggestions for improvements or encounter any teething problems, please contact us on librarysystems@abertay.ac.uk 

We’re really looking forward to talking to you all and showing you LibrarySearch in action during our classes, workshops and drop-ins!

High five from all of us in Library Services.