Omni: Rediscover Discovery

Omni, the academic search tool presented by OCUL (Ontario Council of University Libraries). An outcome of OCUL’s Collaborative Futures initiative, Omni is powered by a collaborative system of team members and resources from 16 of Ontario’s university libraries.  Trent is proud to be a part of this group.

How to Find Omni

There's an Omni search bar at the top of every page on the library website.

Enter terms to start a default search immediately, or click "OMNI" to start customizing.
 

Features of Omni:

  • A wealth of Content: numerous academic and scholarly resources, leveraging broad content coverage, deep expertise, and extensive metadata.
  • Easy to Use: a fresh and intuitive web experience, mobile-friendly for consistent use across devices.
  • Search with Confidence: powerful search tools for discovery and in-depth research of high-quality academic sources across the consortium.
  • Smooth and Seemless: designed to connect to existing library and research tools for a smooth research experience.
  • Collaboration Ready: purpose-built to enable members to share collections and services while also maintaining local autonomy.


How Omni supports research?

Searching

  • Omni searches further than previous catalogues could, through journal articles, book chapters, and many different types of material. It brings all the results to one spot.
  • One quick search finds all items owned by our library, whether they're online or physical; books, journals, articles or maps; on Reserve or in the general collection. You no longer have to choose where to search for what you want to find - it is all here.
  • Powerful filters help you narrow down the results to those you really want to see.
  • Use simple language to search; no complex knowledge of boolean operators required. (But there's still an Advanced Search for those who want more control.)
  • Widen your search beyond Trent's resources by choosing Trent + Omni Libraries.
  • All your favourite databases continue to be available for targeted searching, but Omni offers a broad search and quick access directly to resources.

Borrowing

  • Borrowing policies that allow you to keep books in your hands longer - most items have 120-day loans!  Longer loan periods and multiple renewals are part of the Omni network package.
  • You can borrow items from other partner libraries from your Omni search results screen - just click Request!


Our Services

  • Request items that are in the general collection (on the shelves) in the library, so you know they'll be available for you to pick up at the Service Desk. Search Omni from anywhere, click Request, and you'll receive an email when it's available for pickup.
  • Because you log in to Omni, it knows who you are and what we provide to you, so you have a customized search environment.
  • Save your searches to run again later. Or set an alert to have them run regularly; we'll send you any new findings. RSS feeds are also available.
  • Email your results.
  • Grab citations for the items you find - in the style you need.
  • Easily expand your search beyond Trent's walls, into the vast resources of 15 other Ontario university libraries - just click "Trent + Omni Libraries". 
  • REQUEST items from other Omni libraries to be picked up at the Service Desk!


Services Yet to Come

As we progress with the implementation of this exciting system, we'll open options to expand your access to other Ontario University Libraries.  From the Omni network, you'll be able to request physical items:

  • to be picked up at any participating location
  • and returned to any participating location.

You'll be able to walk into any of the participating libraries and use their resources as a member.

In the meantime, Interlibrary Loan continues to provide access to resources available beyond those available through Omni.  


Omni Network Members

These university libraries make up the Omni network:

See also: