The Yale Library Orbis is a comprehensive online catalog system that provides access to the vast collections of the Yale University Library. With a rich history dating back to 1701, the Yale University Library has grown to become one of the largest and most respected academic libraries in the world, with over 15 million volumes and a wide range of digital resources. The Orbis system plays a crucial role in managing and providing access to these resources, enabling users to search, discover, and utilize the library's vast holdings.
History and Development of Orbis
The development of the Orbis system began in the 1980s, as part of a larger effort to automate and integrate the library’s cataloging and circulation systems. The first version of Orbis was launched in 1987, using a combination of local and vendor-supplied software to manage the library’s bibliographic and holdings data. Over the years, the system has undergone several major upgrades and migrations, incorporating new technologies and features to improve search functionality, user experience, and overall system performance. Today, Orbis is built on the Ex Libris Alma platform, a cloud-based library services platform that provides a robust and scalable infrastructure for managing the library’s collections and operations.
Key Features and Functionality
Orbis offers a wide range of features and functionality to support the research and learning needs of the Yale community. Some of the key features include:
- Comprehensive searching: Orbis allows users to search the library’s collections using a variety of criteria, including title, author, subject, keyword, and more.
- Faceted browsing: Users can refine their search results using faceted browsing, which allows them to narrow down their results by factors such as format, language, and publication date.
- Real-time availability: Orbis provides real-time information on the availability of library materials, including books, journals, and other resources.
- Request and delivery options: Users can request materials from other libraries, including those within the Yale system and beyond, using services such as Interlibrary Loan and Borrow Direct.
| Collection Type | Number of Items |
|---|---|
| Books | over 12 million |
| Journals | over 70,000 |
| Digitized collections | over 1 million items |
Technical Specifications and Infrastructure
Orbis is built on a robust technical infrastructure, designed to support the library’s large and diverse collections. The system uses a combination of local and cloud-based services, including:
- Ex Libris Alma: A cloud-based library services platform that provides a scalable and flexible infrastructure for managing the library’s collections and operations.
- Primo: A discovery layer that provides a user-friendly interface for searching and accessing the library’s collections.
- Apache Solr: A search engine that provides fast and efficient searching of the library’s collections.
The Orbis system is also integrated with a range of other library systems and services, including:
- Authentication and authorization: Orbis uses Yale’s Central Authentication Service (CAS) to authenticate and authorize users, providing secure access to library resources and services.
- Interlibrary loan and resource sharing: Orbis is integrated with the Interlibrary Loan and Borrow Direct services, allowing users to request materials from other libraries.
How do I access Orbis?
+Orbis is available to all members of the Yale community, and can be accessed through the Yale University Library website. Simply click on the "Orbis" link to access the catalog and begin searching.
What types of materials can I find in Orbis?
+Orbis contains a wide range of materials, including books, journals, databases, digitized collections, and more. You can search for materials by title, author, subject, keyword, and more, using the faceted browsing and search features.
In conclusion, the Yale Library Orbis is a powerful and comprehensive online catalog system that provides access to the vast collections of the Yale University Library. With its robust technical infrastructure, user-friendly interface, and wide range of features and functionality, Orbis supports the research and learning needs of the Yale community, and is an essential tool for anyone looking to explore the library’s rich and diverse holdings.
