Answers to your questions about the new Catalog
In August, the University of Chicago Library launched its new Catalog, the search and discovery tool for our collections.
What happened to the Library Catalog and Lens?
Over the summer, the previous Library Catalog and Lens were retired and replaced with a new catalog system.
What records are included in the new Catalog?
As with our previous catalog systems, the new Catalog includes records for materials held or made available by the UChicago Library, including:
- Books (print and ebooks)
- Multimedia (DVDs, CDs, LPs, streaming media, etc.)
- Journals, magazines, and newspapers (print and electronic)
- Music scores
- UChicago dissertations
- Library website
- Finding aids for UChicago archives and manuscript collections
- Selected UChicago digital collections
The new Catalog does not search for articles in journals. For this type of search, use ArticlesPlus or one of our subject-specific article databases.
What features are the same in the new Catalog?
The new Catalog offers both the enhanced keyword searching of Lens and the advanced search features of the previous Catalog in one interface, including:
- Keyword searching with relevancy ranking
- Facets to help you narrow your search
- Advanced search features with limits by language, format, and location
- Browse (Begins With) searching by subject, author, title, call number, etc.
- Remote access to your Library account information (My Account)
What are some of the new features in the Catalog?
The new Catalog offers several features to improve your search experience, including:
- A simple, clean design
- Item availability visible from the search results page
- Enhanced access on phones and tablets
- Easier access to ebooks and ejournals
In the coming months, what features will be added to the Catalog?
Library staff members are working on several improvements to the Catalog in the future, such as:
- Greater flexibility in emailing and texting records
- Improved layouts for printing
- Expanded content, such as more of the Library’s archival finding aids and digital collections
- Improved integration with citation management tools, such as Zotero and EndNote
What online help is available?
The Library has created several guides and tutorials to help you learn more about the new Catalog, including:
- A YouTube video outlining new search features
- Expanded help integrated into the system
As always, help is also available remotely via our Ask a Librarian service.
Will there be any instruction offered about the new Catalog?
Reference staff at Regenstein, Crerar, SSA, and the D’Angelo Law Library will be on hand at the reference desk to provide point-of-need assistance. You are also welcome to schedule an appointment with a librarian.
I’ve noticed some problems with the new Catalog. How do I report them?
We are continuing to work on improvements and enhancements to the Catalog. You can view a list of known problems and features coming soon at our About the Catalog page. If you find a bug or other issue not listed on this page, please feel free to report these to Library staff or use our online feedback form.
