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Introducing Omni: TMU Libraries’ new multidisciplinary academic search tool

Omni is a new multidisciplinary academic search tool that will enhance discovery and delivery of information resources at TMU Libraries and at our Omni partner institutions.

On June 12, Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries will launch Omni, an academic search tool designed to bring library search and service functions together to provide a seamless, one-stop search experience for users. 

Omni is the name of the academic search tool developed through the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL), which aims to foster collaboration across Ontario academic libraries and facilitate the sharing of collections across the province. With Omniour users can search for articles, books, ebooks, journals and other resources in a variety of formats at TMU Libraries and 18 Ontario university libraries.

“I am thrilled that TMU will soon be going live with Omni.  Not only will this improve the experience of discovery for TMU students and researchers, being part of the Omni network means that we will be integrated into an Ontario wide research collection,” says Mark Robertson, dean of Libraries. “This will radically expand our community’s access to collections.”

While TMU Libraries has been diligently working behind the scenes to implement Omni, the full transition will be phased in throughout the summer.

What does that mean for you? Starting in June the Libraries’ website will switch over to use Omni’s local search function, meaning:

  • Academic resources (books, ebooks, journals, videos, etc.) can be easily searched through one search area. 
  • Access to request items, place holds, check your account and customize your settings, in addition to searching all TMU Libraries’ holding–all in one place!
  • Minimal to no changes in course reserve requests
  • Seamless integration with citation management tools
  • Increased access to books from partner institutions
  • Longer loan periods

Throughout the summer, additional functions will be implemented and communicated along with ‘how to’ guides. 

Once the full transition is complete (summer term), TMU Libraries search interface will be integrated with the collections of 18 partner university libraries across the province providing easy access to over 25 million additional academic print materials for TMU students, researchers, faculty and staff.

Learn more

Omni partner libraries:

  • Algoma University
  • Brock University
  • Carleton University
  • University of Guelph
  • Lakehead University
  • Laurentian University
  • McMaster University
  • Nipissing University
  • OCAD University
  • University of Ontario Institute of Technology
  • University of Ottawa
  • Queen’s University
  • Trent University
  • University of Waterloo
  • Western University
  • Wilfrid Laurier University
  • University of Windsor
  • York University