Upgrades to the catalogue and SearchFirst
July 13, 2010
Upgrades to the catalogue and SearchFirst
UNSW Library fact sheet
What is changing?
A new single interface, shared by both the catalogue and SearchFirst, is being implemented. This will make it
easier to search for resources made available via the Library. The new interface will go live on 12 July 2010.
What can I locate via the new catalogue?
The new catalogue will provide location information and access to the wide range of items held by UNSW
Library including print and online journals and books, individual articles, DVDs, music CDs, as well as research
material and theses in UNSWorks.
Will I still be able to search for items using the old catalogue?
No, the current catalogue will be completely replaced.
Will MyCourse still be available?
Yes, you can still search for MyCourse items in the new catalogue, however the separate MyCourse interface
will no longer be available. MyCourse items can be easily located, either by direct searching for course codes
or course names. They can otherwise be identified from the results page, using the Course Code links in the
left hand menu.
Academic staff should note that any links to MyCourse items in your e-learning environments (Blackboard,
Moodle, etc) should be updated after 1pm, 12 July 2010, using the following URL:
http://searchfirst.library.unsw.edu.au:1701/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=UNSW&
vl(freeText0)=GEOS3821
In this example, replace GEOS3821 at the end of the URL with your course code.
When should I use Catalogue?
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when you are looking for a known item and want to see if the Library holds it or find its location
when you are looking for course materials
when finding articles is not the focus of your search
When should I use SearchFirst?
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when you are starting your research and need to find a selection of resources on a topic, including
books, journal articles and theses when finding course materials is not the focus of your search
How will searching differ?
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locate a wider range of resources, e.g. individual articles, journal titles, theses, DVDs
a drop down menu gives the choice between two search options, the Catalogue and SearchFirst:
 Catalogue will search for content including course material, journal titles, books, images,
DVDs, music as well as research material and theses in UNSWorks
 SearchFirst will search for the same content as the catalogue, as well as journal articles
drawn from a set of databases
 results are automatically refined into categories such as Topic, Resource Type, Collection
and Creation Date. This is different to the current catalogue, which requires you to
choose the way you refine your query prior to starting a search
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Upgrades to the catalogue and SearchFirst
July 13, 2010
What is Find Databases?
Find Databases is a new feature, similar to Find Resource in Sirius.
What is the same?
As with Sirius, you can search a single database, or you can select and search multiple databases at the same
time.
What is different?
Sirius allows you to set up multiple quicksets of databases whereas when using Find Databases, you can
create just one set of databases at a time.
What is e-Shelf ?
Save any records you find when you search the catalogue to the e-Shelf. Records can then be emailed,
printed or exported to EndNote Web or RefWorks. Saving to EndNote will no longer be possible.
How do I access e-Shelf
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access e-Shelf via the link to Your borrower record in the Library banner
guest users can save items to the e-Shelf but these items will not be saved permanently unless the
user logs in
Sirius will continue to have its own e-Shelf because it is a different system
Academic staff should note that any items already saved in the current catalogue e-Shelf will be migrated to
the new catalogue. However, these items will be unavailable for a limited period after the upgrade.
What else will become available at a later date?
The following services will become available at a later date, following the upgrade:
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your loan history
recently closed interlibrary loans
the CARM collection
links to the catalogue within Subject Guides
Can I still access Sirius, UNSWorks and SearchFirst?
Yes, the links to Sirius and UNSWorks will be available below the search box on the homepage. SearchFirst
and the Catalogue will also be available as links under the search box, and from the drop down menu in the
search box. Only the link to MyCourse will be removed.
How do I make a laptop or room booking?
Make bookings using the links in the new catalogue as well as via the link on the homepage banner.
How do I request an interlibrary loan?
After searching for an item and finding that the Library does not hold it, log in and click the ILL Request link,
located at the top of every page and fill out the form. Off-campus users can request items held in UNSW
Library via the Request tab or the Additional services tab on records in their results list.
Can I search for an item (call) number, barcode number or ISBN/ISSN?
All users will be able to search by ISBN/ISSN. Staff at any Library Information Desk can search for item (call)
numbers and barcode numbers.
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