Skip to Main Content

Introduction to OWUSearch

Introduction and overview to OWU's new library services platform, including key tasks and FAQs

General FAQs

 

Why are we making this change?

 

The new library services platform  will offer stability and security, reducing the chances of security threats and loss of service or improvement that comes with aging software. It not only updates our system but will provide many additional features for users as we well as efficiencies to library operations and workflows. Some notable improvements include:

  • Better management of digital library resources, which makes up a growing portion of our library resources.
  • Integration with Blackboard to more easily incorporate library or open education resources into courses. (This part of the transition will go live in early 2026, after the main migration of summer 2025).
  • Allows for closer collaboration between OhioLINK member libraries.
  • Transition to a cloud-based product which allows for better remote work and help options. In addition, it will allow for more regular and automatic updates reducing the burden on campus system experts and systems.
  • A more intuitive user experience, including an app for mobile devices (coming soon).
  • Expanded search capabilities, personalization and management of requests.
     

Will we still have access to the same resources as before?

Yes. OWUSearch will replace the current catalog that searches all the physical holdings (books and other printed materials) and electronic resources (e-books, e-journals, databases) accessible to our library and campus. 

The interface will look different, but the actual collections will not change. 
 

Will we still have access to CONSORT and Summon? 

No. OWUSearch will be replacing these platforms with a single point of search for all of our collections.

 

Can we still request from CONSORT libraries? 

Yes and no. The other CONSORT libraries (Denison, Kenyon, Wooster) remain OhioLINK members. As such, their resources will be available  to search and request via an OhioLINK Search (see OhioLINK Search and Request)  The CONSORT platform and search will no longer exist but we will still continue working closely with each other as members of the Five Colleges of Ohio consortium.

Additionally, former CONSORT schools will now follow OhioLINK loan rules for borrowed materials - Loan Term of 6 weeks with a maximum of 6 renewals. Currently, we are unable to offer request items for reserve from former CONSORT schools as in the past. To acquire items for reserve,  contact your library liaisons or fill out out our Resource Request Form. 
 

Where is the link to the OhioLINK catalog? 

There is no separate OhioLINK catalog. All OhioLINK holdings will be findable and requestable via OWUSearch (see OhioLINK Search and Request). 
 

Can we search and request from SearchOhio using OWUSearch? 

Not at this time. SearchOhio is projected to be available later in Fall 2025. Until then, please contact your local public library to request materials via SearchOhio. 

Faculty Services FAQs

 

Will course reserves be findable in OWUSearch? 

 

Yes! Submit your reserves requests as usual and they will be findable in OWUSearch. See Start Your Search for the Course Reserve option.  (Also available from Advanced Search)


Can I still set up a proxy borrower? 

Yes! Submit your proxy borrower request as usual and we will be able to check out your loans to your chose proxies.

You can find links to course reserves and the proxy borrowing form on the Faculty Services page on the library website. 

 

Do I need to update links to resources on Blackboard?

Possibly! If you linked to the main search page for All Search (Summon), CONSORT, or OhioLINK, OR provided links from these platforms to library resources, which would contain the following domains: 

  • owu.summon.serialssolutions.com
  • consort.library.denison.edu
  • olc1.ohiolink.edu

...then you will want to update your links to those in the OWUSearch catalog. 

  • OWUSearch Link 
  • OhioLINK Search Link
  • To link to a specific item in the catalog: 
    • Click on the chain link icon to the right of your title in the search results and copy and paste the permalink 

       
    • OR, click through to the title record, and click on the chain link icon, and copy and paste the permalink 

 

However, if you are linking to a resource directly on its provider platform or the link provided from our A-Z List (Ebook Central, JSTOR, Cambridge, etc.), then you do NOT need to update your link. 

Still unsure? No problem. Just reach out to libraries@owu.edu or contact your library liaison to ask for assistance.