- Search for books, journals and online resources
- New look library search coming in September
- Improve your searching skills
- Access your reading lists
- More digital resources
- Access journal articles off campus
- Visitors and non-members
- Help and support
Search for books, journals and online resources
Library Search is your starting point for finding library resources. Search our library catalogue to discover books, ebooks, journal articles and more, with access to both physical collections in the LRC and resources available online. Use Library Search in the Online Library to find:
- Books and ebooks
- Journal articles
- Academic resources
- Online collections
Access Library Search: Online Library
New look Library Search coming in September
Library Search is getting a fresh new look. From mid September 2026, you'll be able to access the same books, journals, articles and other resources through an updated search experience that's easy to use and more mobile friendly for searching on the go.
While the search results page and some filter options will look a little different, all the same collections and resources will remain available in the same way through StudyNet or via the Online Library, alongside new features including AI-powered summaries and natural language searching.
Please note that as we switch over to the new Library Search you may notice some changes to the way you're viewing or accessing material but the same library resources will continue to be available.
Using saved searches?
If you have saved searches you wish to keep, please save or export them before September as they cannot be transferred to the new Library Search.
- Access current Library Search (Summon) and log into your personal account:
- Perform a search in Library Search.
- Log in at the top right of the screen, and choose either of the “Log in with SAML” options.
- View Saved Items: Navigate to your "Saved Items" or "Folder" area where your results are stored. Look for the bookmark icon.
- Select and Export:
- Select the items you wish to keep and look for the "Export To" dropdown menu
- Choose a format such as RIS (compatible with EndNote, Zotero, or Mendeley) or CSV/Excel to keep a spreadsheet of your references.
- Save Search Queries: Summon typically does not have a bulk "export" for the text of the search queries themselves. It is recommended to copy and paste the search strings (e.g., “climate change” AND “renewable energy”) into a Word document or Note file so you can easily run them again in the new EBSCO-powered search in September.
- Email: You can also use the "Email" function within Summon to send a list of your saved citations to your University email address as a permanent record.
- Print: You can also use the “Print” function to either save searches as a PDF or print it out.
If you need help with saved searches after the new search launches in September, please contact librarians@herts.ac.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I access the new Library Search?
You can continue to access it via the Online Library. The web address remains the same.
Is there a mobile app for Library Search?
Yes. In addition to being mobile-friendly in a browser, there is a free EBSCO Mobile App available for download, allowing you to search for books and articles on the go.
What are the new "AI-powered" features?
The new search includes AI features designed to give extra insight into results and help you find relevant materials more quickly. This includes "AI Insights" for document summaries and a "Concept Map" for visualising research topics. Visit the Library SkillUP Canvas module for further help and guidance on searching for resources using AI tools
Will links in my reading lists still work?
Yes. Links from reading lists will continue to function and take you directly to the resource without interruption.
What happens if I already have a personal EBSCO account?
For a more seamless, experience, it's recommended that you merge your personal account with your main university account. This will be the main account you will use to access the new EBSCO Discovery Service. There is guidance available on merging accounts via the EBSCO Connect site.
However, you can continue to use your separate account if you prefer.
Will my saved searches transfer to the new system?
No. Saved searches from Summon cannot be transferred. You must exportor save a copy of any searches you wish to keep before the September launch so you can recreate them in the new system. If you need help with saved searches after the new search launches in September, please contact librarians@herts.ac.uk.
Where can I find help and guidance on using the new search?
Updated guidance and support materials will be available through the Library SkillUP Canvas module. If you need any additional help using Library Search in learning, teaching or research, please contact the library team at librarians@herts.ac.uk.
What should I do if I experience any issues with Library Search
If you experience any technical issues accessing or using Library Search, please contact the Helpdesk at helpdesk@herts.ac.uk or call 01707 284678.
Improve your searching skills
Need help finding resources?
The Searching section of Library SkillUP provides guidance on searching effectively and getting the most from Library Search. You can join the Canvas module and add it to your dashboard.
Access your reading lists
Your module reading lists contain essential, recommended and background reading for your course.
Access your reading lists through Canvas or visit readinglists.herts.ac.uk and search by module code or title.
More digital resources
We're increasing access to:
- Ebook versions of popular textbooks
- Digitised book chapters
- Digitised journal articles
Access journal articles off campus
The free Lean Library browser extension helps you find and access journal articles more easily when studying away from campus.
Visitors and non-members
Non-members can also access the library catalogue.
Help and support
- If you need support using Library Search for study, teaching or research, contact the Library team at librarians@herts.ac.uk.
- If you experience any technical issues accessing or using Library Search, contact the Helpdesk at helpdesk@herts.ac.uk or call 01707 284678.