Read time:
A new advanced research system at Trible Library is elevating the way students, faculty and staff can search for information and sources to fuel their academic endeavors.
Primo was launched in early January and is expected to not only streamline the research process, but also allow Captains to cast a wider net for important research material. Referred to as a “discovery service,” Primo replaces Trible Library’s old online catalog.
“Students now have a powerful tool to assist them with their search and research needs,” said Johnnie Gray, digital services librarian. “Our hope is that this product will bring our library services into the future.”
Using Primo is easy. Once you sign in using your Christopher Newport credentials on the library’s homepage, a whole world of research capabilities will instantly become available. Primo, used by many universities nationwide, gives instant access to all library materials on one interface: books, ebooks, full-text articles, streaming media, and access to items not on campus through an interlibrary loan.
“Primo simplifies the research process by presenting an all-in-one interface for accessing physical and digital material. Primo saves time by using this one interface to connect books and journals in a seamless integration of content that you can access on your computer from anywhere,” Gray said.
Primo not only amplifies the ability to do thorough research, it also allows users to receive email alerts when new content they’ve searched for becomes available. In addition, the system can provide citing assistance.
Christopher Newport currently has access to more than 350 databases. And while Primo doesn’t replace them, it operates in concert with them.
“Primo works with nearly all of our databases, so it enhances findability for the vast content we are able to have,” Gray said.
Before it was officially launched, the library tested it with select faculty and students. Gray said feedback, “was extremely positive.”
“Ease of use and excellent search results were all mentioned,” he added.
If students need additional help, they are encouraged to seek the guidance of librarians.
“The new system is nice, but if you combine it with the Trible Library reference librarians, students will be well prepared for tackling any paper or presentation,” Gray said.