Library News for the Faculty

Library Launches New Catalog and New Web Site

During the summer the new UCLA Library Catalog and a redesigned central Web site have come online. Following are a few tips to help familiarize you with the new versions.

UCLA Library Catalog

The new catalog system offers the same self-service features as the previous ORION2 system, including renewals, recalls, SRLF paging, and a fee-based document delivery service (formerly ORION Express). To access renewals, click on the "My Account" link below the banner or in the footer. To access recalls, SRLF paging, and the document delivery service, find the item you want to request, then click on the "Request an Item" link below the banner or in the footer. Account numbers remain unchanged.

There are a few key changes from ORION2; these tips can also be accessed from the prominent "Read This First" link on the banner.

To search for words in titles, words in subjects, words in author names, and other word searches, use the Advanced Search screen, accessed by a tab above the search terms box.

There is a Call Number search on the Basic Search screen. It produces a list of call numbers that match the number you entered; however, it is not possible to move forward or backward to call numbers that precede or follow the one you entered.

Search results can be limited by format, date, language, and location. You can select from a short list of Quick Limits just below the search terms box on the Basic Search screen or click on the "Set Other Search Limits" button in the lower right of the screen to access the complete list of limit options.

In records of multi-volume works, ORION2 displayed the circulation status of each volume. The new system displays the circulation status only of those volumes checked out or known to be otherwise unavailable; if the circulation status of a volume does not appear, that volume should be on the shelf.

New Library Web Site

For the past year the Library has been working on a redesign of its central Web site to address users' requests that it be easier to navigate and that it enable them to find information more quickly. The process has involved extensive usability testing with both faculty and students, and the site will continue to be refined as further testing suggests additional changes.

One new feature is the ability to search the new UCLA Library Catalog from the homepage itself; you will find a search box in the upper right of the screen. A black banner with links to five basic categories of information, described below, appears on all pages.

"Search and Find" contains links to the UCLA Library Catalog, the UC-wide Melvyl Catalog, article databases, and other electronic resources. "Services" offers access to information about borrowing and accessing items, reference and research assistance, course materials such as reserves, accessing online resources from off campus using the UCLA proxy server, computing resources in campus libraries, and copying and printing rates and policies.

"Libraries and Collections" contains links to campus libraries and special collections, digital collections, and other campus collections such as the English Reading Room. This section also provides access to a purchase recommendation form and to a list of subject specialists who offer research and instructional services and develop library collections.

The section headed "About" links to hours and locations for campus libraries, contact information, Library administration and development, and general UCLA information. "News, Events, Exhibits" links to the online version of this publication as well as to information about events and physical and virtual exhibits in all libraries.

For Further Information

If you have questions about the new UCLA Library Catalog or Web site, you can consult staff at public service desks in campus libraries or click on the "Questions" link in the banner of either. Your library liaison can also give an in-person orientation to both new resources. If you are not sure who your library liaison is, consult the list.