Upcoming Library Changes

A new interface for finding University Libraries books, journal articles, and other resources will go live in late June 2025. The example search box below will replace the current one on the library homepage.

Test out the new interface

Share feedback on the new interface by completing a survey. Also test out the new interface for:

• Wayne Library
• Archives of the History of American Psychology
• Law Library
• Archives and Special Collections

Important Note: While the new UI (user interface) is still in the testing phase there is limited functionality. 

• Data is from April 2024, so any new students/staff/faculty or new resources will not be in the test version.
• Books that appear as available might not actually be available.
• Requests made in the new UI will not be fulfilled.
• Some full-text links may not work.

There will be changes made to the interface before it goes live in June 2025.

Interfaces Going Away

The new interface will be replacing 4 current University Libraries interfaces, including:

• Current ZipSearch interface
• The Library Catalog
• The OhioLINK Catalog
• E-Journals Search

The links to these interfaces will no longer work in August/September of 2025. The University Libraries will work to update the links on our website, but links that are bookmarked, in Brightspace, or on a syllabus will need to be manually updated.

Links that Need Updated Form
Complete this form if you would like the library to email you the updated links for specific resources once available. If you have any questions about updating links or about the interfaces going away please contact eservices-contact@uakron.edu.

Services Disrupted During the Transition

During May (after the spring semester is over) and June of 2025, as the library moves to the new system there may be some disruption in library services, particularly with sharing resources across other Ohio libraries. The library and OhioLINK libraries are working on how to best minimize the disruption. We are still working on the specifics and will share more information once they are confirmed. For questions or concerns please contact circ@uakron2.libanswers.com.

The University of Akron is part of a group of Ohio academic libraries called OhioLINK, and all members of OhioLINK are changing to this new University Libraries system. The previous system, initially set up in the 1990s, no longer meets the current needs of the Library. This new system is better equipped to address these needs. Benefits for faculty and students includes:

• Combining multiple interfaces into the one new interface, so that more University Libraries resources can be found from one place.
• A more customizable user interface, making it easier for the University Libraries to better meet the needs of faculty and students.
• Additional functionality like a research assistant, that makes it easier to find University Libraries resources.
• A more mobile friendly interface
• An increased efficiency in the back end of the new system, which will free up University Libraries staff time. Allowing us to better serve our patrons.

We at the University Libraries are excited about the new system and the opportunities it will provide to better serve our patrons. We know that change can always cause confusion and inconvenience. Please don't hesitate to contact University Libraries with any questions, feedback, or concerns you may have.