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Improvement Updates to Online Library and Archives Services

Improvement Updates to Online Library and Archives Services

Posted by: / July 30, 2020
July 30, 2020

Though the library building has been closed, PLU Library faculty and staff have been hard at work bringing new services online to improve access to library resources. Find them at the PLU Library and Archives and Special Collections websites:

New Library Search Interface

What’s changed?

The library search interface has changed from WorldCat Discovery to Primo VE.

Why did we do it?

  • More effective searching of the majority of the PLU library collection, including the physical collection, databases, ebooks, and online journals.
  • New features like saved searches, item favorites, and virtual collection browsing (especially useful when access to the library building is limited).
  • Catalog searching, library account, course reserves are now all in a single interface and can be accessed with your ePass.
  • More accurate resource links and status of print items.

What do I need to do?

  • If you have links to items from the old system (Voyager or WorldCat Discovery), those should be updated to Primo VE. This will not affect direct links to databases, like JSTOR or CINAHL.
  • Primo does not consistently show resources available in other libraries. You can still search libraries beyond PLU at https://plu.on.worldcat.org. This link will be available on our A-Z database list under WorldCat.
  • If you have item lists in WorldCat, they won’t disappear. However, if you want them in Primo VE, you’ll need to recreate them there.

New Ask a Librarian Interface

What’s changed?

Ask a Librarian, our 24/7 chat service, has moved from Questionpoint to LibAnswers.

Why did we do it?

  • Our shared partnership with libraries around the country, allowing us to provide 24/7 service, moved to the new platform.
  • More up to date interface that is easier to use and integrates better with our other services.

What do I need to do?

  • Nothing! Links to the chat service have already been updated on all library websites and databases.

New Archives and Special Collections Interface

What’s Changed?

The Archives and Special Collections has launched a collections management system and discovery platform. 

Why did we do it?

  • Improved user experience and more effective searching of Archives and Special Collections holdings.
  • A single platform for accessing archival descriptions, digitized collections, and born digital content.
  • More accurate and improved descriptions and metadata.

What do I need to do?

Please contact library@plu.edu if you need assistance with any of these.

 

Genevieve Williams, Undergraduate Research Librarian, Associate Professor
Fran Lane Rasmus, Director of the Library, Associate Professor