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April 28, 2008
Test drive Libraries’ Primo search tool

By Lea McLees

If you’ve been using the Emory Libraries Web site to finish up spring semester journal papers or research, you’ve probably noticed a bright yellow star icon at the top of the libraries listing page (http://www.emory.edu/libraries.cfm).

That star is an invitation to try something new: Primo, a new search tool the Emory Libraries are offering to students, faculty and other library customers.

Released in a beta version on April 10 thanks to teamwork from the Libraries information technology staff and University Technology Services, Primo is now available for testing and feedback, says Vice Provost and Director of Emory Libraries Rick Luce.

“Primo allows the Emory community to discover not just books and the contents of the international databases we purchase, but information from selected Emory local digital collections, as well,” Luce said. “Users get access to all records in EUCLID, plus thousands of records from several Emory digital repositories. They also can search multiple article databases at the same time. In fact, all resources in Databases@Emory are discoverable using Primo.”

Primo differs from EUCLID, the search tool it will eventually replace, because it allows library customers to conduct one search to explore all of these materials. That saves time and makes comparing and contrasting resources easier, Luce says.

“Two key components of the Libraries’ strategic plan are enhancing user services and digital innovation,” Luce says. “Primo greatly improves search options for our customers, and it makes many of our Emory-only digital offerings just as searchable as journals and books.”

Primo will be in test mode through the end of July — you can access it and offer feedback on how it works via the Primo home page. To get there, click the yellow Primo star logo, or go straight to http://www.library.emory.edu:32888/DB=primo1.

“We encourage you to let us know what you think of Primo — what do you want it to do? Does it meet your needs? Your input will help us refine this tool and customize it to your needs,” Luce says.

Changes based on your feedback will be made in late July. Starting Aug. 4, Primo will be a fully functional alternative to EUCLID; it is slated to replace EUCLID as the primary tool for discovering Emory Libraries resources on Jan. 5, 2009.