UC Library Search

• What is UC Library Search?
• How is UC Library Search different from the current system?
• Do I need to do anything to my library accounts?
• Will I still be able to find course reserves?
• Will I still be able to find journal articles from other databases?
• Does this mean that I will now have access to eBooks and databases that were previously only available at other UC campuses?
• What will happen to Melvyl?
• I have personal saved lists and links in Melvyl. What do I need to do to keep them?

What is UC Library Search?
UC Library Search is a centralized library management and discovery system that unites the collections and digital resources for the entire UC system. UC Library Search is powered by Alma/Primo by Ex Libris, the same system that UCI currently uses for our local "Library Search."

Prior to the launch of UC Library Search, each UC campus library used different systems to manage its print and electronic resources, alongside separate systems such as "Melvyl" and "UC-eLinks" to manage inter-campus borrowing. UC Library Search brings together all ten UC campus libraries, the California Digital Library, and two regional storage facilities in one system, and also enables users to easily link out to Worldcat to find materials outside the UC system. 

For more information, please see the UC Library Search website.

How is UC Library Search different from the current system?
UC Library Search should be a familiar interface to many users at UCI, as it is powered by the same Ex Libris Primo VE search tool that we have been using since 2018. Features you might notice: 

• Search across the collections of all UC campuses without having to go to a separate system
• Use your netID and password to check out and renew materials (do not need to type in your library card number)
• Pick up materials from any UC campus
• Continued ability to search and borrow items from outside the UC system through the Worldcat link within UC Library Search

Do I need to do anything to my library accounts?
No. Your library account will automatically switch over to UC Library Search. 

Will I still be able to find course reserves?
Yes. You can select "Course Reserves" from the search drop-down menu, or by using the advanced search. You can also use the UCI Course Reserves page to find reserves by course and instructor.

Will I still be able to find journal articles from other databases?
Yes. UC Library Search does not affect how other databases work, nor does it affect your access to journal articles. 

Does this mean that I will now have access to eBooks and databases that were previously only available at other UC campuses?
No. eBooks and databases are licensed by individual campuses and licenses cannot be transferred to users at another campus. Users should request the print version of the item through interlibrary loan.

What will happen to Melvyl?
UC Library Search will replace Melvyl and UCI Library Search as the UC-wide library discovery tool on July 27, 2021. It will be directly accessible from the UCI Libraries website. Read the news release about the transition from Melvyl to UC Library Search.

I have personal saved lists and searches in Melvyl. What do I need to do to keep them?
Melvyl is the brand name for a tool called Worldcat Discovery. The good news is that we still have access to Worldcat Discovery through UC Library Search, so you will still be able to find your saved lists and searches. However, Worldcat Discovery will no longer be the tool you would need to use to borrow items from other UC Libraries. If you have important saved lists or searches from Melvyl, please Ask A Librarian for assistance. 

Also, if you have links to Melvyl records, either in your browser bookmarks, Canvas, or elsewhere, please update your links to UC Library Search records.

For a more comprehensive FAQ list, please see the UC Library Search website's FAQ page.

If you have further questions, please contact John Renaud, Associate University Librarian for Research Resources at jrenaud@uci.edu