Kansas State University

Important news for all researchers: Changes to K-State Libraries' Search It

Submitted by Sarah McGreer Hoyt

K-State Libraries is in the process of moving to a new library system. The process will further improve our consolidation of the existing online catalog with Search It, a cloud-based discovery tool that retrieves both K-State Libraries' holdings and journal results from hundreds of databases.

Our faculty and staff will have fully implemented the new system sometime in July 2015. However, modifications are already underway.

"Search It is a one-stop search tool that works a lot like Google, simultaneously searching physical and online collections," said Dean Lori Goetsch. "Unlike the outdated library system, Search It results include both full text and citation records for millions of journal articles and electronic books."

However, Search It functions as more than just a search engine. When it's fully implemented, users will log into their library accounts via Search It, where they will be able to renew checked-out items, store favorite search queries and keep track of favorite items on an eShelf. To support the research process, Search It also can export item records directly to RefWorks, a powerful citation manager.

The libraries will be offering training sessions on Search It during the spring semester, and users can always use the Ask a Librarian service to receive assistance.

We plan to continually customize and improve Search It based on patron needs, and we welcome suggestions at our online feedback form.

Search tips
Should I start at Search It or go to a specific database?

• Use Search It to find an item such as a book or article for which you already know the title. You may need to refine the results of these searches by "Resource Type."
• Keep in mind that most, but not all, K-State databases are included in the Search It system.
• If you are researching a very focused topic, it may be better to start at a database that covers your specific subject area.

Should I search K-State Libraries only or K-State Libraries + Articles?

• Choose K-State Libraries only if you are looking for physical materials — books, DVDs or maps — located at one of K-State Libraries' locations or if you are looking for digital items specific to K-State — theses/dissertations, digital collections or archival material.
• Choose K-State Libraries + Articles if you want to find any of the above items plus articles, additional online books and online video or audio.

Visit the Search It page for additional tips.