Single Search: Harvard Library’s Hollis+ Discovery Layer (Beta) Launches For Library Users and Guests

The new Hollis+ discovery layer single search access to books, articles, and other materials from the Harvard Library that is formally scheduled to launch in beta for library patrons and guest tomorrow (August 13, 2014) appears to already be accessible online this afternoon. A closed beta for the Harvard Library staff has been available for about a month.
Full URL: http://beta.hollis.harvard.edu/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?vid=HVD
While much of the content is accessible only to members of the Harvard community, it’s still possible to search and take a look at what Harvard Library has developed as a guest. Open access content is accessible to all via Hollis+.
Hollis+ is powered by ExLibris Primo technology.
From the Hollis+ Home Page:

Introducing HOLLIS+, a new search tool that enables you to search Books and Articles together. Access most of the Harvard Library’s resources in a single search.

The library has also posted this research guide/introduction/FAQ to Hollis+. It includes this slogan:

“The scholarly alternative to Google.”

The guide includes this page about why the new service is worth using as well as an overview of what’s included:

…HOLLIS+ includes everything from the Harvard collection, like books, journals, maps, archival materials, videos and music.  HOLLIS+ also includes an enormous articles database, which has content from subscription databases and journals, along with open access content, like articles from the Harvard open access repository DASH.

Look for more posts in the future about the service itself and how it’s marketed to the Harvard community.

Background

Harvard Library is Adopting Ex Libris Primo as Discovery System (April 14, 2014)
Library Leadership Group Explores New-Generation Search and Discovery Solutions for Harvard (September 10, 2013)

Filed under: Ex Libris, Libraries, Management and Leadership, Maps, News, Open Access, Patrons and Users