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Omni - Library Discovery Search

Omni replaces Summon as our public-facing discovery layer for navigating physical and electronic resources from OCAD U Library and beyond! This guide will cover everything you need to know to get started and make the most of Omni.

What's Different About Omni?

Omni functions a lot like Summon, our previous academic search tool, but with some added features. The following is a summary of what's new. 

Expanded Access

Omni not only searches OCAD University Library's print and e-collections but also the print collections of 17 affiliated libraries. The Omni collaboration streamlines interlibrary borrowing from a collection that grows every day. 

New Features

Explore this guide for information on how to make the most of new features in Omni including

  • Three search options: Limit search to OCADU, OCADU + Omni Libraries, or Course Reserves
  • Citation path: Displays sources citing and sources cited by a search result
  • Pin and export search results: Create labels; export to email, print, citation manager(s) (must be logged in)
  • Virtual browse: Mimics shelf-browsing​ allowing users to browse print book covers arranged by call number
  • # versions found: Alerts users to items VERY similar to a result (for example, editions of textbooks)

New Loan Policies 

As part of the Omni collaboration all participating libraries have harmonized their borrowing policies. OCAD U Library now offers expanded borrowing periods, expanded renewal limits, and no fines! 

Omni Loan Policies*
  Students
Graduate Students
Faculty and Staff		 Community Borrowers
Alumni
Continuing education students
Loan Periods 120 Days Three Weeks
Loan Limits 500 15
Renewal Limits* Unlimited 15 Weeks
Overdue Fines None
30 days to return overdue item, or declared lost		 $0.50/day (general circ bk)
30 days to return overdue item, or declared lost 
*Overdue Fines for Recalled 7 days to return, or overdue fines apply
$4/day (max $56)
14 days to return, or declared lost		 7 days to return, or overdue fines apply
$4/day (max $56)
14 days to return, or declared lost
Item Declared Lost

$25 non-refundable admin charge
Lost item replacement cost 
Charges are in addition to assessed fines for recalls

For materials not shared with OCUL:
$50 lost item fine
the maximum overdue fine associated
Lost item replacement cost

 $50 non-refundable admin charge
Lost item replacement cost
Maximum overdue fine associated
Account Blocks 1 overdue recalled item, and/or
$20 total in fines and charges
(suspends all borrowing and requesting transactions)		 1 overdue recalled item, and/or
$20 total in fines and charges
(suspends all borrowing and requesting transactions)

* Adapted with permission from Bibliothèque de l’université d’Ottawa | University of Ottawa Library

What's New in Omni: A short video tutorial