Primo is a new search tool that allows you to find and access a wide range of print and electronic resources from a single search point. With a user-friendly interface, it has many design features to improve your research experience by making it more intuitive, seamless, and enjoyable.
Primo's unique features include:
In a single search, Primo helps you quickly identify print books and other materials physically located in your college library, as well as locate and access ebooks, e-journal articles, and streaming multimedia. Other e-resources will be added as they become available, eventually making Primo a one-stop source for all your academic searching needs.
Yes.
Primo provides greater functionality than just the catalog alone. You can use Primo to search for print books and access electronic resources, such as e-journal articles, streaming multimedia, and e-books. The book catalog does not provide article search and access.
The Details view of Primo displays differently from the Full view in the catalog. For each record, you have the option to link back to the catalog to see more bibliographic information.
No. Since Primo is primarily a "discovery layer," it relies on the catalog as one of the sources for full bibliographic records. For this reason, Primo will never actually replace it, since the book catalog will always be operating underneath the surface. Public access to the catalog is likely to be maintained as well, in order to accommodate individuals who may prefer the original catalog interface.
Primo "de-duplicates" search results, but the catalog does not. Let's say, for example, there are five copies of the book, War and Peace,in our library. When you search for this book in the catalog, you get five results. Do the same thing in Primo, and you will get a much more streamlined response: just one result, with the locations of each of these five copies all listed on one page. You will also see links back to the book catalog because it has catalog records for this title.
Yes.
Some of your results might not show a location and call number, showing a mysterious "Check library holdings" message instead. This means that Primo could not interpret the location of the item, and you should click on the "Check library holdings" link for more information.
Popularity ranking is calculated by use. This means that the more an item record has been clicked and viewed, the more popular it is. You have the option to sort according to popularity using a pull-down menu located at the top of the search results section.
Relevance ranking is generated by ScholarRank, Ex Libris' proprietary ranking algorithm.
Primo combines duplicate records from the library's system into a single integrated record. By "de-duplicating" records in this way, Primo provides significantly less duplication of records within the search results, making search results easier to understand and navigate.
To place a hold, sign in to Primo, then click on the "requests" tab within the search results display or item record. In the drop down menu choose HOLD for items that are NOT checked out; choose RECALL for items that are checked out.
The e-Shelf is a location where you can store items and search queries. From your e-Shelf, you can view saved items, as well as print, email, and export the records. The e-Shelf also enables you to save search queries.
You can save items to the e-Shelf by checking the box at the left of the title and clicking on the e-Shelf link at the upper right corner of the Primo home page; OR by using the "Send to" tab that appears at the right hand side in any of the Primo tabs. A drop down menu from the "Send to" link will include the choice, "Add to e-Shelf." Although you can save items as a guest, you will need to sign in to Primo to save items permanently.
Your Primo session will automatically time out after 30 minutes of inactivity. You will be directed to a session time out page where you can reconnect to Primo.
Primo is constantly being updated with the latest library items and current circulation status, so you will know immediately if an item has been checked out. Maintenance is performed weekly on Sunday mornings from 3-5 AM during which time Primo is not available.
Your feedback is welcome.
Hours:
M-Th: 8AM - 8PM
Fri: 8AM - 5PM
Sat: 9AM - 1PM
Sun: Closed
Address:
3095 Colonial Ave SW
Roanoke, VA 24015
P.O. Box 40012
Roanoke, VA 24022
Info: 540-857-7303
Reference: 540-857-7438
Circulation: 540-857-6941
Fax: 857-6058
