Search

Library Search provides a single search box for library resources. Signing in allows registered students and staff to use the 'Saved results' feature to save search results.

Library Search has a new look, with an updated design that makes it easier to find books, journal articles and other academic resources. The new design has been informed by research, testing and feedback from OU students. You don't have to do anything - the new Library Search will automatically appear wherever you use it.

Library Search tips

Searching for the title of the resource such as an ebook, database or journal article, should bring up the item you are looking for at or near the top of the results. If not, you can limit your search. Select 'All Filters' and then choose a resource type under ‘Filter my results’.

You can find particular articles using Library Search, by searching for the article title, and get straight to all of our electronic resources by clicking on ‘Full text available’.

Library Search includes many of our databases and collections, meaning you can search across a large number of resources at the same time. You can also limit by creation date; author; subject; journal title; language or collection, this will allow you to refine and focus your search.

Smarter searching with Library Search

• Library Search assumes that you are searching for all the words you type unless you combine or exclude words and phrases by using 'OR' or 'NOT'.
• Use “double quotation” marks to search for a phrase e.g. “supply chain management”.
• To search for words with different endings use an asterisk after the root of the word e.g. comput* finds computer, computing, etc.

Saving results in Library Search

• To save results to ‘My Favourites’ you will need to be signed in, you do this by clicking on the Sign in link.
• Add an item to 'Saved results' by clicking on the bookmark icon within the item record.
• Access your 'Saved results' area by selecting your initials at the top of the page, then select 'Saved results' in the drop down menu.
• From ‘Saved results’ you can organise your items by assigning a tag (a meaningful word or phrase).

Using older browsers

If you use Library Search with older versions of Internet Explorer you may experience some problems, such as the full text of results not opening properly. Help with choosing a web browser is available from the Help Centre.