Frequently Asked Questions

What is Primo Search? 

 Primo Search is the application providing your interface to NDU Libraries’ resources (print, electronic, and digital). It’s also called a discovery layer as it helps you discover the resources we have and is a comprehensive tool for finding resources. It is part of a suite of tools from Ex Libris.  

Why are we changing to Primo Search? 

Primo Search has multiple advantages for the library and its users: 1.) Cost savings: transitioning to Primo Search and the other ExLibris applications will allow us to realize cost savings of about $100,000 per year by combining the functionality of several legacy library systems. The library will also be able to use superior analytic capabilities to make data-driven collection management decisions.  2.) Customer service: Primo Search allows users to easily save searches, monitor their loans, and cite articles.  It also has AI assistance.  3.) Parity: Ex Libris is one of the top companies in the academic library world, and in other PME institutions. Providing a more standard library interface will help users engage more rapidly with library resources.  

What happens to the books that I have checked out? 

The records of materials checked out will shift over to the new system.  If something doesn't look right, please contact library_leadership@ndu.edu. 

How will this system change affect Interlibrary Loans? 

There will be no change to interlibrary loan. You will continue to use the same process to request materials from other libraries. 

Will the library website change? 

The overall look of the website will generally be the same, aside from the name of the search changing from "OneSearch" to "Primo Search”.  Some of the other tabs’ functions will be included in Primo Search, so they will be removed.  The archives search will still be independent. 

How will this affect searching for library materials? 

The basic functions (finding a variety of both print and online materials) will not change. In fact, results will be improved since Primo Search streamlines the searching process.  We currently have several disparate systems that will be replaced by Primo Search. 

Library staff will be better able to analyze usage of the catalog, which will help us improve user experience and make more informed purchases. We plan on making continuous improvements to the system. 

Will the new system have export capabilities to citation management systems such as Mendeley, EndNote, or Zotero? 

Yes, it will have the capability to export to several citation management systems.  

Will there be training available? 

Yes, our librarians will be happy to assist you when Primo Search goes live.  Training opportunities will be posted in the Skim, offered by each college’s librarians, and you can come by the library desks for on-the-spot assistance. 

Where can I get a preview of Primo’s functionality? 

There are multiple JPME institutions using Primo.  We are getting a brand-new interface, but you can get some ideas of what our Primo will look like by checking out some of our peer institution websites by exploring these links: 

Naval Post Graduate School: https://library.nps.edu/ 
The Naval Academy  https://www.usna.edu/Library/ 

Marine Corps University https://grc-usmcu.libguides.com/library 

Army War College https://usawc.libguides.com/current/ 

Naval War College https://usnwc.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?vid=01USNWC_INST:01USNWC 

Army University Library System Libraries: https://armyuniversity.edu/resources/auls/auls  

I have a question that isn’t answered here. Who can I ask? 

If something doesn't look right or you have a question, please contact library_leadership@ndu.edu.