I am happy to share that Kent State University Libraries, along with all OhioLINK libraries, has successfully upgraded to a new shared software system to support teaching, learning and research. This on-time and on-budget project was the culmination of more than two years of planning and collaboration and marks an extraordinary milestone for statewide shared services.

Enhanced Features for Library Users

The cloud-based enterprise software suite includes five interoperable apps that work together to meet the educational and research needs of students and faculty. Enhancements include:

• Unified search capabilities: A single search box to find relevant media, print and electronic resources, including immediate access to licensed e-journals and e-books.
• Resource-sharing improvements: Real-time tracking of user requests, facilitating fast and easy access to the OhioLINK’s consortium’s shared print catalog.
• Modern discovery tools: An intuitive user interface supported by AI-assisted research recommendations, citation trails and citation management software exports.
• Integration with Canvas (learning management system): Expected in 2026, enables faculty to link required course readings to library collections, thereby reducing student costs.

The new system will also streamline daily operations for our library faculty and staff, creating efficiencies and increasing productivity.

How Can You Help?

• Review our Your Library Was Upgraded web page for details, help and frequently asked questions.
• Orient yourself to the new search interface (now simply called LIBRARYsearch) available from our home page.
• Keep in mind that links in your course materials previously set to library content may have changed and should be reviewed.
• Contact your subject librarian with questions. They are here to support your success.
• As always, you can send questions to our Ask Us service at any time.

I’ll close with a note of thanks to all those who collaborated with University Libraries to help make this upgrade a success (special shout out to IT here!), and I also ask for your patience as we continue to optimize and learn this new system. You are welcome to contact me directly at any time with questions.

Best regards for a successful start to the academic year,

Ken Burhanna
Dean and Professor
Kent State University Libraries
kburhann [at] kent.edu
330-672-2962