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New library search platform: FAQ

The MIT Libraries has implemented Search Our Collections – a new platform for searching, browsing, and accessing our collections – primarily books, journals, and articles.

When did the new platform launch?

The new Search Our Collections platform went live on July 13, 2021.

What changed?

This platform replaced the Barton Catalog, BartonPlus, and Vera.

What didn’t change?

Our Quick Search remains the default search on the Libraries’ homepage – this aggregates results from several library search tools, and from the results you can connect to the new platform.

You can also go straight to the new platform:

  • Main navigation under “Search” – see “Search Our Collections”
  • Search box on the homepage:
    • Click on “Advanced search” under the search box
    • Switch to the “Books and media” or “Articles and chapters” tabs, which will run the search in the new tool
  • Shortcut URL: https://libraries.mit.edu/search-collections/

Your existing loans and requests in the Barton catalog transferred to the new platform.

What’s so great about the new platform?

  • Searching is simpler – try putting in keywords of authors and titles, or even entire citations! There are also advanced search features including facets, relevance ranking, field and domain searching (by author/title or types of publication), journal category lists, and more.
  • More seamless access to online content and making requests.
  • Find content beyond MIT collections and subscriptions, and request copies via ILB/Illiad.
  • Set up alerts about new content of interest: Save a search in Your Account, set up an alert, and any new content matching your search criteria will be emailed to you. You can also save searches and records and share with others through persistent URLs.

How can I help improve this new search platform?

  • Provide feedback on the MIT Libraries new search platform – let us know what’s working and what’s not. Tell Us
  • We need volunteers to help us do ongoing usability testing of the platform  – if you are interested, please sign up.