The software used to provide Library Search is to be replaced this summer. The current software is no longer supported and, therefore, to ensure that Library Search remains robust, accessible, and secure we are implementing a replacement.

The new software will provide the same set of features as currently available in Library Search and has the added benefit of being responsive and compliant with the latest accessibility guidelines.

Preparations for the change are underway behind the scenes. No interruption to services is expected until the day of the switchover on 5 September when there may be a small amount of downtime. After this date, all existing links to Library Search will cease to work.

We have been working with key partners to minimise the number of links ceasing to work after the new Library Search goes live (on 5 September) and:

• A beta version of the new Library Search system will be available from 18 July (key partners will be emailed to confirm when this is live and a link will be available on the Library home page)
• The Library will be updating all links to Library Search on reading lists held in the Reading List system (Talis Aspire) on 8 August 2022
• If you have links elsewhere, such as Sitebuilder and Moodle these will need to be updated prior to the 5 September (when the old library search is retired). We can help you with this. If you would like to discuss the support available from the Library for updating links on your departmental pages, please contact us
• If you have reading lists on Sitebuilder or Moodle that contain links to the current Library Search the preferred option to update the links is to move your list to the Reading List system. If you have reading lists you would like to move to the Reading List system we can support you with this. Please contact us as soon as possible before 31 July

What action is required

Links to Library Search on Reading Lists in the online reading list system, Talis Aspire

All links to Library Search on reading lists held in the Reading List system (Talis Aspire) will be updated by the Library as part of the migration. No action is required by list owners. Further communications will be issued as we get closer to the update on 8 August.

All other links to Library Search

Links to Library Search on Sitebuilder, MyWBS and Moodle are not always visible to the Library. We will work with departmental page owners to update existing links to Library Search starting on 18 July when the beta version of the new Library Search launches. More details will be circulated at that time.

If you have reading lists on Moodle, SiteBuilder or another system and you would like to move to the Reading List system (Talis Aspire) please contact your Academic Support Librarian or the Library team at readinglists dot library at warwick dot ac dot uk.

Key dates

18 July – The new Library Search system will launch in beta. You will be able to access the new system from an alternative link on the library homepage. It will then be possible to create bookmarks and links to items on “New Library Search” that will continue to work after launch. The Library can help you to update existing links. Please contact us if you would like help with this.

31 July – If you have reading lists you would like to move to the Reading List system (Talis Aspire) please contact us to discuss this before 31 July. Please email your Academic Support Librarian, or our reading list team, at readinglists dot library at warwick dot ac dot uk.

8 August – The Library will update all links in the Reading List system to point to the New Library Search service. All bookmarks created for new reading list items will automatically create deep links to the New Library Search system.

5 September - The New Library Search system will become the main Library Search interface and the old Library Search system will be retired.

If you have any questions about the project, please get in touch with one of the project team:

Ed Kirkland - Data Services Manager: e dot kirkland at warwick dot ac dot uk
Kate Courage - Academic Support Manager: Kate dot Courage at warwick dot ac dot uk
James Fisher - Resource Acquisitions and Digital Access Manager: J dot W dot Fisher at warwick dot ac dot uk.