What is Library Search?
Library Search is a new library services platform that will replace the current Library Catalog, APPsearch, and the management systems for library circulation, acquisitions, and cataloging.
When will Library Search go live?
The new library system will go live on July 16, 2025.
What is the goal of this project?
The goal is to modernize library systems that are designed to organize and access library materials with more accommodation to electronic content. The project will also be shared across at least twelve institutions in the UNC System. This collaboration will create a shared platform that enhances resource discovery and access statewide.
Which institutions are participating in the project?
The following institutions will be part of the UNC System collaboration:
- July 2025:
- Western Carolina University
- UNC Asheville
- NC A&T University
- Spring 2026:
- UNC Pembroke
- UNC School of the Arts
- UNC Charlotte
- NC Central University
- Fall 2026:
- NC State University
- UNC Wilmington
- Winston Salem State University
- Fayetteville State University
How will this new system benefit library patrons?
- Streamlined Interface: Search print and online resources, request items, and manage your library account all in one place.
- Cross-University Access: Patrons will be able to view and request items from other participating universities in the UNC System and enjoy seamless walk-in borrowing privileges at participating libraries.
- Central Discovery Index: Easily find and request articles and books beyond our collections using the Central Discovery Index, a built-in index of over 5 billion scholarly citations. Easily find articles cited by or in other articles with citation linking.
- Mobile App: A new mobile app for easy account access and research (coming in the future).
- Faculty Support: More flexibility for faculty to create reading lists using library resources (coming in the future).
What are some long-term benefits of the shared platform?
- Negotiating Power: By sharing a network with other institutions, the UNC System can negotiate better pricing for resources as a group.
- Resource Sharing: The system will make resource sharing more efficient and cooperative across all participating institutions.
Will there be any interruptions to library services during this transition? Do I need to turn my books in early?
- Library users will still be able to borrow materials from App State’s libraries throughout this transition, and there is no need to turn items in early.
- To save your personal circulation history, login to your library account and click the “Export My Reading History Button” to see export options. This old circulation information will not be available on the new system.
- Some library services will be limited during the transition period:
- Account access: Users will not be able to access their accounts online to renew or request books from July 10-16. Contact the library to renew or request materials.
- Self checkout machines: Self Checkout will not be available from July 10-16, but users can still check out items at the desk.
- Borrowing materials from UNCA and WCU: To request UNCA or WCU materials from July 10-16, place an ILL request or contact Belk Library.
- Ordering new materials: The library will need to complete all material orders and new e-resource subscriptions before June 1st to close the fiscal year before the final data migration. These transactions will resume in the new system on July 16th.
- Access to e-resources: As we work to transition all of our e-resource vendors to the new system, you may encounter some broken links to full-text articles or e-books within Library Search, Research Guides, or AsULearn courses. Contact us if you need assistance accessing an e-resource or finding updated links for your AsULearn course materials.
Who can I contact with questions?
- Borrowing and account access: Jason Stamper
- Instruction and course impacts: Contact your liaison
- General inquiries: Ben Shirley and Amy Love
Library Search will allow you to search for articles, books, journal titles, and more all in one place.
From the My Account page in Library Search, you can manage your loans and requests, access your saved searches, and see lists of articles and books you have marked as favorites.