Announcing new Library Catalog user interface: March 12

Dear Library Community,

We are writing to re-introduce you to Primo Search, now rebranded simply as the Library Catalog, describing the more straightforward and comprehensive search experience that launches on Tuesday, March 12. This upgrade allows us to take full advantage of new features and system updates as they are developed.

Do I access the system the same way?
You will access the Library Catalog the same way you have accessed Primo Search with one change: passwords now need to be at least 8 characters so you may be prompted to change it the first time you sign in to the system on or after March 12.

Are there changes to how the search works?
Yes, the default search is now called “Library Resources,” which includes our physical and digital collections as well as resources from a selection of our specialized database subscriptions. This allows for the discovery of published materials, archival materials, digital collections, online articles, and more using a single search.

The following databases are now included in the default search:

American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Humanities E-Book
Art and Architecture Archive (ProQuest)
ARTstor
Bridgeman Education
HathiTrust Digital Library
Historical Newspapers – Los Angeles Times (1881-1990)
Historical Newspapers – New York Times (1851-2003)
JSTOR
Project MUSE

Can I restrict my searches to GRI collections only?
Yes! You can use the Collections facets to refine searches to include GRI Collections only. The facets appear to the left of the search results.

What new features are included?
A few highlights include Ask a Librarian, new books, citation options, internationalization of the interface, and more.

Ask a Librarian: This link connects you to a request form where you can ask a librarian for assistance.

New Books: We have added an easy way to browse and search new books directly from the home page.

Citation options: For each search result, you can click the Citation button in the Actions menu to format a citation. Citations can be in the MLA (7th edition), MLA (8th edition), APA (6th edition), Chicago/Turabian (16th edition), or Harvard 1 formats.

Internationalization: There are now many language options, including Spanish, German, Japanese, Korean and Russian, available for the translation of some of the interface. This provides additional assistance with navigating for non-English speakers; it does not translate all records or customizations in the system.

We will continue to add new features and enhancements to the interface over time.

Can I search the Library Catalog on my mobile device?
Yes! It’s now even easier. The Library Catalog is natively responsive, meaning it will resize and adapt based on the size of your device.

How can I receive in-person assistance with the Library Catalog?
– Attend a 30-minute introductory session held in the GRI L2 Training Room, Mondays at 3:00 PM or Thursdays at 11:00 AM, starting March 14 through the end of April. Reservations are not required.
– Stop by the Reference Desk, Monday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
– We also encourage you to book a one-on-one appointment with a Reference Librarian by contacting reference@getty.edu.
– Finally, you are welcome to call the Reference Desk at 310-440-7390.

How can I send feedback about the new interface?
Please complete our Feedback Form with any comments or questions. Your comments will help us improve the interface and alert us to system issues that need to be resolved.

Thank you…
A huge thank you goes out to the members of the Primo Working Group who have been instrumental in providing feedback and testing the system:

Kristen Carter
Denise Dudley
Ryan Edwards
Ross Garcia
Aimee Lind
Sally McKay
Kit Messick
Sarah Sherman
Teresa Soleau
Susan Sundquist

Additionally, many other staff members from across the GRI and GDi have contributed to making this new interface possible. Thank you all.

We look forward to tomorrow’s launch and welcome your comments and questions.

Best,

Lily Pregill, Systems Architect
Kathleen Salomon, Associate Director / Chief Librarian

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