Samuel L. Paley Library8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Ambler Campus Library7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Library Search FAQs
On July 3, 2017, the Libraries, under the leadership of Director of Library Technology and Knowledge Management, David Lacy, launched the Library Search, which replaces Summon and the library catalog (known as Diamond). Based on feedback received from the university community, Temple University Libraries released an enhanced version of the Library Search on August 13th, 2018.
During the 2018-2019 academic year, the Libraries will continue to make further updates to the search. To learn more about work in progress, please refer to the Library Search Road Map. If you see something that you like or that doesn’t work for you, please fill out our feedback form.
What is the Library Search?
The Library Search is your gateway to discover books, journal articles, newspapers, archival material, images, library research guides, and much more.
When did the Library Search launch?
The Library Search originally launched on July 3rd, 2017 and was upgraded to an enhanced version on August 13, 2018.
What does the Library Search include?
The library search includes the following collections:
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Catalog Search: books, e-books, journals, videos/DVDs, sound recordings, government documents, materials in the Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) and the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, etc.
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Articles Search: journal articles, newspaper articles, e-books, book chapters, and other resources available online
You can search everything simultaneously through the enhanced version of the Library Search or access the collections separately.
Do I still have access to the same materials?
There are no changes to the Temple University Libraries collections. In fact, you can search all our collections in one place rather than checking through multiple systems. In addition, materials from other libraries remain available via E-ZBorrow and ILLiad interlibrary loan services, and other library databases continue to be accessible, including those for more subject-specific searching.
Where can I find books and videos (previously in Diamond)?
You will still be able to search for books and media using the search tabs on the Libraries' homepage. You can also choose to search everything in the Library Search and then limit your results to books or media.
For how-to instructions, refer to:
Where can I find articles?
You can search for articles using the Library Search or individual databases.
For how-to instructions, refer to:
Where can I find journal titles?
You can still search for journals using the search tab on the Libraries' homepage. You can also search for journals by title in the Library Search, either using the main search bar or the journals filter option.
What features are included in the Library Search?
You can:
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Save a list of items from your search results
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Export search results to email and citation management tools
You also have different options for advanced searching, including new ways to filter your search results.
Do I need to update my items in Ares Course Reserves?
No, items in Ares are not affected by the launch of the Library Search.
Why can't I access Diamond anymore?
As part of this launch, Temple University Libraries will no longer be providing access to Diamond. All of the records and functionality previously found in Diamond, including My Library Account and advanced search features, are now available through the Library Search. However, past saved lists, preferred searches, and reading histories in Diamond have not been transferred to the Library Search.
For faculty: Diamond links have changed and may no longer work in some cases. This may include those that you have saved in Canvas/LCMS+.
Where can I find privacy information about the Library Search?
As part of our library services, the Temple University Libraries collects information about library transactions through Alma, also hosted by Ex Libris. This information is accessible to library staff and Ex Libris for the purposes of managing library accounts. See Temple University Libraries’ policies on the Confidentiality of Patron Records and Ex Libris’ Security and Data Policy for more information.
More questions?
If you need further assistance with the Library Search or have feedback, you can Ask a Librarian or contact asktulibrary@temple.edu. Additional information can also be found in the general FAQ's for Temple University Libraries.
