Summon is a simple and fast library search engine that helps you discover relevant information from the University of Cincinnati Library collections on any topic. It is the place to start your research in journal and newspaper articles, books, government documents, maps, music recordings, videos and more. From your search results, it's one step to the full text of articles or finding if a book is on the shelf.
No. The content of some of our databases cannot be discovered in Summon, whereas other databases or datasets provide only partial content results when searched within Summon. For example, records from Kanopy and some EBSCOhost collections are not in Summon. However, content is constantly added to the central discovery index.
Using Summon as a starting point of your search is a great way to get a feel for the amount and types of sources you may find.
Summon also offers a quick way to find a known source if you know a full or partial title. However, remember that Summon does NOT include the entire content of the databases the libraries subscribe to.
Access to Summon is available only to the UC students, faculty, and staff. You will be prompted to login for access with your UC ID + password and Duo two-factor authentication.
For failed searches Summon provides spelling suggestions.
To improve your search results, please see Summon Search Tips and Tips for Online Searching.
Please remember that not everything we license is included in Summon. Browse our databases. Not sure which database to use? Try our Research Guides or ask a librarian.
The Advanced Search screen offers a number of ways to limit your search:
You can also refine your search after you submit it and display results (see "The facets pane" in Summon Look and Features and How do I work with search results?)
Yes, your filters will apply to future searches. You can clear selected filters by clicking "X" or remove them all by clicking "Clear all."
Any saved items will be available for the duration of your search session. You may lose items in your folder after a long period of inactivity.
If you would like to save your items beyond the session, you can copy/paste, email, print, or export your list to bibliographic management software (RefWorks or EndNote) at any time.
Items saved in your folder can be formatted in the following styles:
You can copy the formatted citations and paste them into your document, e-mail or save them.
Please remember to check your references for accuracy. Use the online guide Citing Your Sources for references.
If clicking on item the title or "online Full Text" link does not take you to the online version, you may need to look for other ways of getting a copy.
When an article is not available online, the link reads "Citation Online" instead of "Full Text Online."
Click on the article title or "Citation Online" link to display information about the article. Click on the "See Other Access Options" icon.
You will see a screen that lists various options for searching for the item in print or requesting it.
Please check the library catalog to see if UCL has the volume and issue of the journal where the article was published before you place the interlibrary loan (ILLiad) request!
MSIE 8+
Firefox 22+
Safari 5+
Chrome 29+
If you are having trouble accessing an online resource in Summon, please copy the link and send to ContentTM@uc.edu for assistance as shown in the screen shot below:
