On January 4, York University Libraries (YUL) rolled out its new library catalogue search interface. It might not look too different at first glance, but the change to how and what it searches is profound.

The new "discovery layer" interface merges all of YUL's different catalogues and holdings into one seamless interface using an open-source software application called VuFind. It brings together what were two separate silos: the library catalogue, which records print material, CDs, DVDs and a lot of electronic resources, with the eResources catalogue of electronic resources. The new interface also searches other material, like the YorkSpace digital institutional repository and the York Digital Journals. All these materials can not be discovered by one search.

The new interface also lets you easily refine and narrow your searches by location, material type, subject and other criteria. You can also sort and resort your search results by relevance, date, author or call number (i.e., subject).

Novice and occasional searchers will definitely find the new catalogue search useful. It's comprehensiveness and ease-of-use mean that you will always find something related to what you're looking for. However, advanced or sophisticated searchers may find the old, "classic" catalogue a more useful research aid, especially if they're looking for something specific. To accommodate both sorts of users, links to both the new "basic" search screen and the old "classic" search are provided from both the YUL website and the Osgoode Library website.

For more information about the new catalogue search, read the article in yesterday's YFile. The YUL librarians have also prepared a useful user guide.