Last updated: 24/03/2023
To help improve your library experience, we have upgraded our Library Search and Library Management System. This means that you will still be able to use the Library Search to access all of our resources, but there will be a host of great new features, including access to WorldCat, and an improved library account.
This guide is intended to be a quick overview of the new Library Search, while we work on a more in-depth webinar and video tutorial.
To register for our webinar on how to use the new Library Search click here.
For more information on the new features, we’ve put together some FAQs.
What does the new Library Search look like?
The old Library Search (Summon) looked like this:
The new Library Search (WorldCat) looks like this:
As you can see, the layout for the search results page is similar. The results are listed in the main part of the page, while on the left hand side of the screen, you can see a menu that helps you refine your results – for example, by material type, or date published.
How do I access an eBook on the new Library Search?
On the results page, you can click the red button labelled ‘View eBook’ underneath the book cover.
You can also click the title of the eBook, which takes you through to a detailed item page, where you can find the red ‘View eBook’ button underneath ‘Access Options’:
How do I access a journal article on the new Library Search?
This is the same process as accessing an eBook – there will be a red button labelled ‘View Full Text’ or ‘View PDF’.
How do I request a physical item from the library shelf?
This is when you may notice the biggest change. On our old system, clicking on the book title in our results page took you through to a different library system, called Folio, where you could reserve the book (see below).
With the new Library Search, this process is now integrated. Clicking on the book title will take you to the item page, where you have options:
You can see on the right, underneath Access Options, there are three buttons.
View eBook – If there is an eBook version of the book, there will be a button labelled ‘View eBook’.
Pick up from the library – You now have the option to pick the book up from the library, using the button labelled ‘Pick up from the library.’ This will ask you to log in to your library account, and then take you to a short form to fill in with any further requests, and then submit. You will then shortly receive an email from the library team to say the book is available to pick up.
Request postal loan – The third button lets you request the book to be posted to you. This is how members usually request items. This will take you through to a form to fill in with your delivery address. The library team will then post the book to you.
If you have any further questions about the new Library Search, we are happy to help!
Email: library@imeche.org
Call us: +44 (0)20 7973 1274
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