Library patrons at Texas State use the Start Your Research search tool on the University Libraries website an average of 84,000 times a month during the fall and spring semesters. On the surface, it seems like a simple tool, but behind the scenes there is a complex web of systems and administrators that work together to ensure that library patrons can discover the resources they need.
In May, Texas State’s libraries migrated its collections and resources to a new, modern platform called FOLIO that serves as the back-end for the Start Your Research search tool and the library catalog. This new, open-source product will allow for future integrations with other platforms. As it evolves, we anticipate robust search functionality and intuitive, familiar interfaces.
Here are answers to questions you may have about our new system:
Does this change affect how I do my library research?
No, the EBSCO Start Your Research tool is not changing and will appear and work in the same way it always has. The transition should be seamless, and many patrons will not notice that a change has occurred. One new feature will allow patrons to place holds and view their accounts when using the Start Your Research tool by clicking on the place request button.
The library catalog is where you will likely notice changes. It has a new modern, clean user interface backed by extensive user experience research.
New Catalog Search Result View
Here are some of the new and improved library catalog and circulation features:
- The new catalog is called Locate. It will work in any browser and has a responsive design for optimal mobile experience.
- The SSO login allows patrons seamless access to their accounts without requiring an additional login step.
- In addition to friendly overdue-items notices, receipts for circulation desk transactions such as book returns, renewals, and check-outs will now be automatically emailed to you
- The course reserves display is more appealing and makes it easier to locate reserve items by department, instructor, course name, or course code.
- When you select an item in the catalog, the Browse This Shelf feature will show you other items with call numbers that would place them near the item you are viewing, including eBooks, to allow for virtual browsing.
- You will be able to use the My Bookshelf tool from the catalog to see what materials you have checked out, the status of anything you have put on hold, and any outstanding fines owed.
- We anticipate that the user experience will continue to evolve over the next year as new features and integrations roll out that will improve our discovery systems.
Will there be any impacts to me as I use the new catalog?
– For the most part, the catalog functions in the same way. However, faculty need to review their syllabi and other course materials to see if they have referenced any links to catalog items as these will need to be updated. Any urls that start with catalog.library.txstate.edu/ will break beginning at the end of August.
To create updated links:
1. Go to the library’s website and click on the catalog button:
2. Perform a search for the item or group of items you want the link to produce.
3. Copy the new txst.locate.ebsco.com/ url that links to your desired content and use the new link in place of the old catalog url.
– Some faculty and staff may have received replacement and fine notices triggered by the switchover to the new system. You can renew or return these items. If you find that you cannot renew the items online, please contact us for assistance at circulation@txstate.edu.
– The self-checkout machines in the Alkek Library will be out of commission for an undetermined period of time. Please go to the Ask Alkek desk to checkout your materials.
Where can I direct questions if I encounter a problem with the new library discovery system?
Please use our Report a Problem With an Online Resource form if you encounter any issues or need help with our new system.
This article was contributed by UL Marketing & Communications Coordinator Debbie Pitts.