Fusion is a new tool that will allow you search, in one place, the majority of the library’s books and articles. It will include all the materials in our library catalog Ignacio, as well as the content of the majority of our many, many journal article databases.

Figuring out where to start looking for articles and books can be very confusing when the library offers more than 200 database options. Fusion will be the clear place to start.

Questions and Answers:

• Will Fusion include everything the library has?
  No, but it will include so much of what the library has that it will almost always be the best place to start your search.
• When would Fusion not make sense as the first place to search?
  Some examples: If you’re interested in finding only books, then our library catalog Ignacio would be a more appropriate place to begin. If you’re looking specifically for statistical data or encyclopedia/dictionary entries or images, it would be better to use a database devoted to those specific types of information.
• I’m very proficient using the databases in my subject area. Is there any reason I should use Fusion?
  Because Fusion will have such broad coverage, it may locate relevant materials published in other fields that you wouldn’t otherwise find in a subject-specific database.
• So then why would I want to choose a subject-specific database anymore—can I just use Fusion instead?
  Fusion will not be replacing any of our subject-specific databases. These databases offer valuable advanced searching capabilities tailored to their subject areas.
• When will Fusion be available?
  We’re building it right now. We hope to make it available some time in September.

The Technical Jargon

Fusion is an example of a trend in libraries of web-scale discovery services. Our service will be provided by Ebsco Discovery Service.