PUL to launch new service platform - summer 2021; HathiTrust ETAS update

student holding laptop showing PUL catalog

Published: June 10, 2021; updated June 22, 2021

Princeton University Library will be replacing its library service platform this summer. 

This new platform will replace a 20-year-old one and will provide more efficient and easier access to library resources. It will also allow for the integration of Harvard’s catalog into ReCAP’s Shared Collection Service, which in turn will provide access to over three million new items by the end of this summer.

The library platform upgrade will occur from July 22 through August 2.

This is a behind-the-scenes process and will not result in any significant changes in the catalog itself. Minor appearance changes will be seen on the My Account page. During the transition period, you will still be able to come into library spaces, browse, and directly check out books. You will also be able to continue to search the catalog online. However, requesting materials through the catalog itself will not be possible from July 22 through August 2, along with book pick-up and Borrow Direct requests. 

The platform replacement for ReCAP will occur from July 16 through August 8, during which materials in ReCAP will be unavailable for request or digitization. During this time, PUL will make every effort to obtain materials from other sources.

FAQ:

During the transition period...

Will I still be able to check out available materials that are physically (on shelves) in library locations?
Yes.

When will the HathiTrust temporary access service be discontinued this summer?
HathiTrust ETAS will be active through August 1, 2021.

Will Special Collections materials be accessible?
From July 22 through August 2, researchers will be unable to make new requests of Special Collections Firestone materials from the Library catalog, though existing appointments will be honored. Manuscript materials, housed on-site at Firestone (not at ReCAP) and requested through the Finding Aids database, will not be impacted by the upgrade and can be requested as usual. All materials housed at ReCAP, both those requested through the catalog and the Finding Aids database, will be unavailable to request from July 16 through August 8. Materials housed in Special Collections Mudd Library remain unavailable due to an ongoing renovation. If you have any questions specific to Special Collections (SC), please feel free to reach out to SC via the Ask Us! form.

Will I still be able to search the catalog even if I can’t request items through it?
Yes.

Will I still be able to make a digitization request?
Yes.

Will I be able to submit Course Reserves during the transition period?
Yes.

Will I be able to request Marquand materials?
On-campus Marquand materials can not be requested July 22 through August 2. ReCAP Marquand items can not be requested from July 16 through August 8.

Will online resources, such as databases, still be available? 
Yes, access to electronic resources will continue to be available throughout the transition period.

If you have questions, please email refdesk@princeton.edu.