Libraries' OneSearch interface to get streamlined Summit requesting

Western Today staff

January 12, 2015

Content from the 37 libraries within the Orbis Cascade Alliance is now fully integrated through the single search interface of OneSearch, and as a result of this integration, the Alliance will roll out enhancements to the Summit requesting process on Jan. 20. Some of the benefits of these enhancements are that patrons will experience fewer authentication requests, and they will be able to track their Summit request items in their "MyAccount" feature.

OneSearch is Western’s search interface that retrieves results from databases and catalogs found in academic libraries across the Pacific Northwest. In OneSearch, all content available to Western students, staff, and faculty is immediately accessible, and all other content from the neighboring thirty-six institutions can be requested and quickly delivered. The full integration of the Summit catalog into the OneSearch interface will create new opportunities for enhancements and improvements that will benefit those who use these library services.

New OneSearch interface coming soon: In related news, Western Libraries is seeking feedback on changes to the current OneSearch interface. The proposed interface will be accessible from the Western Libraries website as a beta version beginning January 20, 2015. The new interface offers a streamlined display of menu options and search results, in addition to a built-in “Chat with a Librarian” feature. It also includes enhanced search options and a more intuitive way to search multiple databases simultaneously.

Western Libraries is seeking feedback on this proposed interface and will be hosting a series of focus group sessions on the following dates in Haggard Hall Room 233:

  • 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20
  • 11 a.m. to noon Monday, Jan. 26
  • 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13
  • 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17
  • 11 a.m. to noon Thursday, Feb. 19

If you would like more information about these developments or if you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Marrall, Chair of the OneSearch Management Team, at rebecca.marrall@wwu.edu , or go to: http://libguides.wwu.edu/onesearch.