Find It @ USC Libraries Project: FAQ

What are some of the improvements with this new system?

• The shared system includes a single, intuitive search interface for print and digital resources. Moreover, a powerful and customizable search interface allows all USC students and faculty to quickly find resources on their own campus, as well as those available through the PASCAL community.
• Users can quickly find resources at the School of Medicine Library as well as those available at 54 other South Carolina academic libraries.
• Transfer students, faculty working and studying at multiple institutions, and distance education learners who access resources from more than one institution will no longer encounter a different search interface at each institution. We believe that will translate into less frustration and better, more fruitful research experiences.

Do I still have access to advanced search options?

In short, yes! Although the look and feel has changed, the core functionality has not. 

Do I still have access to e-journals?

One component of Find It @USC Libraries is a Journal-specific search interface.  This has similar functionality to the Library’s current E-Journals search.  However it differs in two important ways.  1) When you use Find It @USC Libraries to search for a journal title, you are searching both our Print and Electronic Journal Collections (there is an option to limit to “Available Online”).  And 2) Find It @USC Libraries is not an A to Z list of our Journal holdings.  You cannot browse by alphabetic titles. 

Do I still have access e-books?

Because Find It @USC Libraries has powerful search features that allow you to limit any search to “Available Online,”  an “E-Book” search is no longer necessary. 

Are there changes to the Catalog Search Box on the Library's home page?

Yes. The "Catalog" tab defaults to a SOM Library catalog search within the new system. Its function is the same, but the interface looks different.

How do I learn to use this new system?

While the search functionality is fairly intuitive, there are many tips and tricks to be learned. Click the Tutorials Tab at the top to access self-paced instructional videos.

How was this decision made?

The decision to move to Alma/Primo was made collaboratively by South Carolina academic libraries through the state consortium, PASCAL. With the help of an expert consultant, PASCAL members evaluated the available systems on the market and developed a governance structure for managing the implementation and operation of the system. PASCAL members and staff then wrote a detailed request for proposals, outlining the features and functionality required for a statewide library services platform. Review of bids submitted in response to this RFP was governed by the South Carolina procurement code, which has strict confidentiality requirements, but the final outcome and contract are public record.

How is this new system different?

This new shared system operates in a cloud computing environment, with the various pieces needed to manage 21st century library operations developed interconnectedly.  Because it is managed “in the cloud,” many libraries no longer need to maintain servers and manage systems as they used to. Services that libraries purchased separately, for example link resolvers, discovery layers, serials management, and authority control, are now all part of this new system. The architecture is designed to better incorporate, manage, discover and access electronic resources.  Resource sharing among our institutions is critical, as is a “next generation” public interface that allows library users to discover and access the complex universe of available resources.  Having one system will improve the research experience for our users and allow staff to create value added services.

What should I expect on an after June 1, 2020?

During the transition process, there will be some delays to resources and some loss of functionality while we work out the glitches and fix migration issues. Please be patient throughout the summer of 2020 while we work to make the new system fully functional.

How was this project affected by the COVID-19 closure of the USC campus?

Thanks to great efforts by everyone working on the project, the migration to Alma continued on schedule, with library staff meeting project milestones while working remotely. All the required data was sent to the vendor by April 16, and we remained on track to go live with the new system on June 1, 2020.

Oftentimes in the Find It @ USC Libraries interface you’ll see a prompt like the one below.  

What does this mean?  To the average user, not much.  The University has very few resources that are restricted to search (this does not mean that Full Text is not restricted).  The difference between searching as a guest (the default for someone who isn’t logged in) and an identified user is currently not of significance. 

When should you sign in?  If you need to request print materials via Inter Library Loan or via PASCAL Delivers, you must sign in to Find It @ USC Libraries with your USC network credentials (the username and password associated with your mailbox.sc.edu or email.sc.edu email address, Blackboard, etc).  Additionally, if you want to view and work with your Library patron record (view checked out materials, renew, etc), you must sign in.  Most users DO NOT NEED TO Sign In to Find It @ USC Libraries. 

Whether you are searching our E-journal holdings, or following a link back from Pubmed or Ovid, or searching our Catalog directly, you'll need to know where to look for Full Text.  Look for the "Available Online" link.

Follow that link, and you'll see our Electronic Holdings. Please pay attention to the coverage statements and any restrictions (for instance below, you'll see that the Westlaw access is for the Law School only AND the "Biological Science Collection" has a 3 month embargo).  When you click on one of these links, then you'll be prompted to log in (see below).  

Off-Campus users should follow the instructions HERE.