Electronic Resources Blog

To try and resolve some of the problems accessing ebooks on Books24x7 from the library catalogue and from Summon, we’ve implemented a new authentication method.

If you’re a regular Books24x7 user, or if you’ve struggled to access the site in the past, please let us know if you think the new method works better for you.

We’re pleased to announce that our new link resolver is working with Google Scholar…

The “Full-Text @ Huddersfield” link should appear automatically if you’re on-campus.

If you’re off-campus, you’ll need to click on “Scholar Preferences”, do a search for “Huddersfield” in the “Library Links” section, select “University of Huddersfield – Full-Text @ Huddersfield” and finally click on the “Save Preferences” button.

Having said all that, if you like Google Scholar, we think you’ll like Summon more

Scopus is curently unavailable, we are working with the publisher to restore access as soon as possible

The first time you use Science Direct, you will need to register. On the resource website home page, top right hand side, select Athens Login. You will be given the option to register at this point. To re-visit Science Direct, you will need to login via the Athens link.

On Friday 12th of March (from 09.00 AM) to Sunday 14th of March, work will be undertaken on SwetsWise. There may be a delay in response times.

We’re currently experiencing problems accessing Creative Club and AdSnaps. The problem has been reported to the publisher.

We’re currently investigating a problem with accessing the Gale resources, which includes Literature Resource Center.

A big “thank you” to Professor Andrew Ball (Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research and Enterprise) for officially launching Summon this afternoon as part of the Research Festival 2010.

After Andrew’s speech, there was a short presentation and a quick demo of Summon…

As I said mentioned during the presentation, we’re really keen to get your feedback and suggestions! You can leave a comment here on the blog, you can email your Academic Librarian or you can fill in the online survey.

SwetsWise has been updated to enable users to save search results or e-mail them to themselves. When you next access the service you may be prompted to to set up a SwetsWise profile. Just enter your name and e-mail address.

There’s great excitement in CLS as we get ready to launch Summon at the Research Festival next week. Here are the answers to a few questions we’ve been asked recently…

So, what is Summon?

Summon is a search engine that provides fast, simple access to relevant, scholarly material at the University of Huddersfield. Summon provides an integrated search of all of our databases, e-books, the Repository, full-text journals etc. plus the library catalogue.

Currently Summon contains some 50 million items, with more being added each day, referring to both our own materials and those procured by Serials Solutions, the company behind Summon.

What’s Summon like to use?

It’s as easy to use as 1-2-3.

1) Enter search terms into a single search box, or select an Advanced Search option

2) Refine results by criteria such as date, subject, academic journals and other options

3) View results, and link direct to full text or more details

When/How can I access Summon?

Summon will be readily available from Wednesday 10th March on the CLS webpages and the eagled-eyed amongst you may have already spotted it on the Portal (in the Learning & Teaching tab)…

What’s the Beta version?

The link in the Portal takes you to a work in progress and enhancements are being added every day.

Please give us your feedback so that we can continue to improve and refine the product before it completely replaces MetaLib in the summer.

Why replace MetaLib?

MetaLib is only a platform through which we access products like CINAHL, PsycINFO, Business Source Premier, etc. Summon offers a much simpler and attractive way for students to search for information and we hope it will result in greater usage of the library’s electronic content.

The Beta version of Summon will sit alongside MetaLib on the Portal and also in Blackboard so that it can be tested by staff and students alike.

I’m a member of staff — will it have an impact on my teaching?

Yes, and hopefully for the better! Summon will entirely replace MetaLib by September so you will need to update any course materials that refer to MetaLib for the start of the academic year 2010-2011.

Contact the Senior Assistant Librarian for your subject (see below for email addresses) to make an appointment to discuss the implications for your modules and receive training/support in making the changeover.

What if I want to access an individual database in the same way that I did with Metalib?

Access to individual databases will available via Summon within the next few days.

I’m a member of staff — where can I find out more?

Come to the Summon Launch event with Professor Andrew Ball, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Enterprise, in the Castle Hill Suite, 12-2pm, Wednesday 10th March. There’ll be a general overview and demonstration. You’ll also be able to chat with subject librarians and IT and technical staff etc. and take Summon for a test drive yourself in the CLS MarketPlace!

Look out for more training events in the Library and in the School after Easter… we’ll also be putting together a resource pack to assist academic staff in updating their course materials.

We look forward to seeing you at these events and working with you over the next few months to help you discover the world of library content available through Summon.

Best wishes,

Dr Deborah Goodall, Academic Librarian for Human & Health Sciences
Ellie Clement, Academic Librarian for Applied Sciences and Art, Design & Architecture
Alison Sharman, Academic Librarian for Business & Law and Computing & Engineering
Andrew Walsh, Education & Professional Development and Music, Humanities & Media