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New library catalog interface improves search functions
If you've searched BISON catalog (http://bison.buffalo.edu:8991/F), UB's online catalog, this semester, you've probably noticed some changes. This summer, the University Libraries bid adieu to its old catalog system and migrated millions of records to a new catalog interface from library automation company Ex Libris (http://www.exlibrisgroup.com/index.htm).
Among its improvements, the new BISON catalog offers a plethora of expanded search capabilities. The default search screen, the Basic Search (http://bison.buffalo.edu:8991/F/?func=find-b-0), offers a simple, uncluttered interface to conduct author, title and keyword searches. However, if you are an advanced searcher in need of precision, try the Advanced Search (http://bison.buffalo.edu:8991/F/?func=find-a-0). On the Advanced Search screen, you can search a variety of fields, including date, publisher, ISBN and call number. Limiting searches by date, location, language and format in the Advanced Search enhances the capacity to find exactly what you need for your research. BISON's tabs allow you to focus your search to journals, UB library locations, conference proceedings, reserves and other libraries.
The Search History function (http://bison.buffalo.edu:8991/F/?func=history) keeps track of your searches, so you can view, delete and combine previously conducted searches during your current BISON session. You also can save individual items in each session using the basket function (http://bison.buffalo.edu:8991/F/?func=myshelf-short) so that when you are finished, you can save, email or print your list of relevant resources.
In past years, many library users asked for customizability and the ability to monitor their library accounts online. Through "My Library Card" (https://bison.buffalo.edu:4443/F/?func=BOR-INFO), BISON now offers several services accessible from the comfort of your home, office, classroom, library or anywhere. After logging in using your UBIT name and password, you can view items you have checked out, check your fines, and place holds and recalls on items checked out by others. No more paper forms in triplicate to worry about.
Visit the Help Page (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/help/catalog.html) to assist with searching and customizing BISON. For queries related to how the changeover might affect you and your library account, see the BISON FAQ Page (http://ublib.buffalo.edu/libraries/announcements/catalog.html). Of course, feel free to ask your friendly neighborhood librarian for any assistance with this new research tool.
—Dean Hendrix, University Libraries