Kansas State University

Important training: Search It, the new interface for accessing K-State Libraries

Submitted by Sarah McGreer Hoyt

To introduce Search It, librarians will present a hands-on workshop on Thursday, May 28, and again on Wednesday, June 10. Both sessions will be from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in 407 Hale Library.

When K-State Libraries complete the process of moving to a new library system on July 20, the existing online catalog will be totally consolidated with Search It. Search It is a cloud-based discovery tool that retrieves both K-State Libraries' holdings and results from hundreds of databases.

The Search It interface will be the sole online interface for accessing information about locally held K-State Libraries material.

"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 "Unlike the outdated library system, Search It results include both full text and citation records for millions of journal articles and electronic books."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 training sessions will primarily focus on how to use Search It to discover locally held materials and using e-Shelf and my account functions to create a personalized online library environment. For more information, contact Sara Kearns at skearns@k-state.edu or 785-532-7446.

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 research guide for additional tips.