Today, we switched over to the new interface for the system used to locate online access for specific periodicals (the actual product is the “E-Journal Portal” from Serials Solutions, although we don’t brand it that way on our website). Typically, users will see this interface once they’ve run a search in the yellow search bar for “Journals” or for “Newspapers + Magazines.” As has been the case in the past, direct access to the interface can be also be found on the library website:
- Under the “Faculty” menu, select “Journals (online”
- On the “Help” page, there are links in the “How do I find…” section
In addition to a cleaner, more modern design, this new interface offers a number of new features.
Auto-suggest
If you start your search in the e-journal portal interface (as opposed to starting your search in the yellow search bar on the library home page), you’ll see as you type matching periodical titles:
A larger search box
A longer box to enter titles makes it much easier for the user to type and makes the interface feel less cramped.
Limiters for peer-review and for open access
On the search results page, you can refine y the results for items that are peer-reviewed or open access.
Better error messages for null search results
If the user’s query generates no hits, there is a new error message that should be more intuitive than the old one.
If you encounter any problems with this new interface, please let me or Mike Waldman know so that we can get in touch with the vendor.