- Search for books, journals and online resources
- 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 and now has a fresh new look making it easier to find the information you need with a more mobile-friendly experience, AI assisted searches and summaries.
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 through the Online Library to discover:
- Books and ebooks
- Journal articles
- Academic resources
- Online collections
With the new look library search you'll still have access to the same library resources as before, although some search screens and filters may look a little different. If you need help getting started, guidance and support are available through the Library SkillUP Canvas module.
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.
Why am I seeing a personalised account pop-up in Library Search?
The first time you use the new Library Search, you may see a pop-up asking whether you'd like to continue with a personalised account. A personalised account lets you use features such as saved searches, bookmarks and search alerts.
- If you don't already have an EBSCO account, we recommend selecting Continue with personalised account if you'd like to use these features.
- If you already have a personal EBSCO account, you can still select Continue with personalised account when prompted. This won't affect your existing personal account or any saved searches, alerts or preferences you've already set up.
- If you'd prefer not to use personalised features, select Skip for now. You'll still be able to search for and access library resources as normal, and you can choose to enable personalisation later if you wish.
I already have an personal EBSCO account. What should I do?
If you already have an EBSCO account with saved searches, alerts or other preferences we recommend merging it with your university account so you can access all your saved content through a single account. Guidance on how to do this is available on the EBSCO Connect website. However, you can continue to use your separate account if you prefer.
Please note if your existing EBSCO account has very important information saved, such as important items or complex saved searches we suggest you do not merge accounts for now.
Can I still use Library Search without a personalised account?
Yes. You can search for and access library resources without a personalised account but you'll need one to save searches, create alerts and use other personalised features.
What happens to my My EBSCO account when I leave the University of Hertfordshire?
When your University of Hertfordshire IT account expires, you will no longer be able to use your UH credentials to sign in to your My EBSCO account. If you have saved searches, alerts or folders that you wish to keep, please make sure you review and manage these before your University account expires. Access to University-subscribed EBSCO resources will also end when your University membership and IT account expire.
I merged an existing personal My EBSCO account with my University login. What should I do before leaving?
If you merged a personal My EBSCO account with your University-linked account, you should ensure that you have exported any saved searches and items before your University credentials expire. You will be able to create a new personal account on My EBSCO into which you can recreate your saved searches and item. This will help avoid losing access to your personal saved content.
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.
Will my saved searches transfer to the new system?
If you previously used saved searches or saved items in Library Search, these have not been transferred to the new platform. If you need help with exporting previous saved searches 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 have any feedback on LibrarySearch, or wish to report any minor issues please send them to librarysearchfeedback@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.