Primo: The New Search System at Denison Libraries

General Migration Questions

What is Primo?

Primo is our new integrated library search system. It allows you to search across Denison, OhioLINK, and licensed digital resources in one place, replacing Summon, the CONSORT catalog, OhioLINK interface, and multiple disconnected search tools.

When is the system going live?

June 27, 2025. Primo will officially launch and replace all previous catalog systems on this date.

Why are we making this change?

This upgrade simplifies search, expands resource access, and improves user experience. This is a transition Denison is making alongside all institutions in the OhioLINK and Five Colleges of Ohio (Ohio5) Consortia.

What is happening to CONSORT?

The CONSORT catalog will be retired during this transition. Rather than requiring a separate search platform, items held by Kenyon, Wooster, and Ohio Wesleyan will be requestable in Primo via an OhioLINK search.

What is happening to Summon?

Summon will be retired along with the CONSORT catalog as part of this migration. Primo, as an integrated platform, provides all the functionality of Summon and more.

Borrowing & Account Questions

Who is affected by these changes?

Everyone who uses library materials will be affected by this change, not just those requesting new items. This includes faculty, staff, and students who may have items due earlier than anticipated and may need to return materials during the migration window.

Will my current checkouts transfer?

Loans on Denison-owned materials will transfer to the new system automatically. Anything on loan from other CONSORT schools (Kenyon, Ohio Wesleyan, or Wooster) or OhioLINK will not transfer automatically and needs to be returned to the library for processing. We’ll notify you if any updates are needed.

Will I still get automated reminders for items I have already checked out?

Yes. Automated emails and notices from CONSORT and OhioLINK, such as due date reminders and overdue notices, will continue as expected until the old systems are removed.

Patrons can also continue logging in to MyCONSORT through at least June 10 to view their account. After that date, information may be out of sync, particularly for new checkouts, which will be manually processed through June 25. If anything seems unclear, contact us at libprimo-group@denison.edu.

How will the transition impact OhioLINK lending?

Requesting OhioLINK materials will be unavailable starting May 23, 2025. After that time, you will not be able to place requests on OhioLINK materials. Additionally, all items on loan from OhioLINK libraries must be returned by their due date.

How will the transition impact CONSORT lending?

CONSORT lending will stop June 10, 2025. After that time, you will not be able to place requests on Kenyon, Ohio Wesleyan, or Wooster materials. Additionally, some loan periods on items from these libraries may be shortened, and any current checkouts will not be able to be renewed. After June 10, non-Denison CONSORT items must be returned by their due date.

Can I still renew my materials during this time?

Starting May 23, 2025, renewals for OhioLINK materials will no longer be available.

Starting June 10, 2025, renewals for CONSORT materials will no longer be available.

What if I have materials from Kenyon, Wooster, or Ohio Wesleyan?

Starting June 10, these materials will not be eligible for automatic renewal and must be returned by their due date.

Will I be charged fines if I can't renew something?

Denison Libraries are currently fine-free on most materials, which means you will only be charged if you don't return an item. Patrons should make every effort to return items by their due dates. That said, we understand this is a complex transition and are prepared to work with faculty and others on a case-by-case basis, contact us at libprimo-group@denison.edu. 

What do I need to do with items I have checked out?

• Denison materials: No action is needed. Auto-renewals will resume for eligible items once the new system goes live.

• OhioLINK items: These items must be returned by their due dates for processing.

• Non-Denison CONSORT items: Loan periods for items borrowed from Kenyon, Ohio Wesleyan, and Wooster may be shortened, and these materials must be returned.

What if I still need my OhioLINK/CONSORT item?

Patrons who wish to continue using OhioLINK or Non-Denison CONSORT items will need to return them and then request them in Primo after June 27. We will assist with any unexpected issues that arise.

What happens to items borrowed during the freeze (June 10–25)?

During the brief circulation freeze, newly borrowed items may not show up correctly in MyCONSORT. Circulation staff will manually track activity, and any issues can be resolved with our team.

Support & Communication

Will I be able to request items during the freeze?
No. OhioLINK borrowing will be paused from May 23 through July 1. During this window, please use Interlibrary Loan (ILL) for materials you would typically request through OhioLINK.

Will I still have access to library resources?
Yes. You will still have access to Denison’s physical and digital collections, licensed databases, and ILL services. If you are having trouble accessing anything, please contact libprimo-group@denison.edu. 

Who can I contact with questions?
Email us at libprimo-group@denison.edu.