Introduction to OWUSearch

OWUSearch is our new library services platform that not only updates our search and discovery systems but provides many additional features for users as we well as efficiencies to library operations and workflows. It replaces our former "All Search" option (Summon) and CONSORT allowing users to search holdings at OWU and OhioLINK on a single interface. The platform goes live on June 25, 2025.

You can find OWUSearch here, or by using the search box on the library website homepage.

To access all collections and tools of OWUSearch, sign in with your OWU credentials. 

1. Click on the Sign In link in the upper right corner. 
2. Click on OWU User Login.
3. When prompted, login with your OWU credentials.

Your library account -- shown in OWUSearch as Library Card -- allows you to see and manage your loans and requests. To access your library account:

1. Login and click on your name in the upper right corner of your screen. 
2. In the dropdown box, click on Library Card.
3. On your Library Card page, click on the tabs at the top of the page to view your loans, requests, fees, blocks, and account details.

To find resources in OWUSearch, you can start with a simple keyword search in the top search box. As you enter text into the box, you have the option to scope your search to specific search slots (see explanations below).

By default, it will search Everything at OWU.

You modify your keyword search in different ways. 

Use the facets on the left of your screen to add more specifics to your search. 

• To include a facet in your search, click the box to the left of the term. 
• To exclude a facet from your search, click the red icon (checkbox crossed out) to the right of the term.

If you're on a smaller screen and don't see that left-hand column, click on the funnel icon at the top of your search results to make it appear. 

Click on the Advanced Search link to the right of the search box to open. 

You can build a more complex search with the following functions:

• Search Slot
• Search Filters
  • Select a field to search (title, author, etc.)
  • Select an action of search within the field (contains, starts with, etc.)
  • Enter your search terms
  • Add additional filters with Boolean Operators aka connector terms (AND, OR, NOT)
  • Click ADD NEW LINE to add further filters
  • Further refine by 
    • Material type
    • Language
    • Publication date (start date, end date)

There are several ways to save search queries and search results.

NOTE: You do not need to sign in to save and send, but your favorites will be lost after your session ends. Signing in will save your searches and results for future reference.

Save your search query, by clicking on the Save Query link with the pushpin icon at the top of the search results. 

To save an individual title in your search results, click on the pushpin icon in the right-hand corner of the box. 

To save multiple items in your search results:

1. Click the box to the left of your selected title.
   
    
2. OR Click the box at the upper-left  to select all items on the page.
   
   
   
   
    
3. Click the pushpin icon in the upper right above the search results to save.
   
   
    
4. In the pop up window, click ADD TO FAVORITES.
   

Above your selected list of items, click EXPORT ALL RESULTS to email yourself an Excel file of your selections.

 You can export information on a single item two ways: 

1. In search results, click on the three dots at the end of the title box to reveal your export options.
   
    
2. OR Click on the title to see its record. Scroll down to the SEND TO section for export options: 
   

You can retrieve your saved queries and results in two ways: 

1. Click on the pushpin icon icon at the top right corner of the page next to your account. 
2. OR, sign in and click on your name and select My Favorites. 

On your favorites page, use the tabs at the top to navigate between 

• Saved Records
• Saved Searches
• Search History

Within the lists you can search, export results, and remove items/queries. 

You do not have to leave OWUSearch to find and request materials from other OhioLINK libraries. If you are not finding resources you need at OWU or want to expand your search...
 

Sign into OWUSearch if you are not already.   Change your search slot to OhioLINK Search and resubmit your search.
Click on your title, if the item is available from other libraries, you will see a list of locations.    Scroll down to Get it from other locations. Click on the blue GET IT button.
On the Request Form, you have the following options: Pickup at OWU (My home institution) with the local pickup location (OWU Library aka the Hobson Circulation Desk)   Or pick up the item a different OhioLINK library: From the first line, Pickup Location, select your preferred institution from the alphabetical list. Please note that OSU is listed under the T's as The Ohio State University.    Click the link REFINE OFFER at the bottom of the form. This will confirm that the location is a valid pickup spot.    Once the location is selected, fill in the other fields if needed. Click SEND.