Summer 2026 Library Systems, Catalog, and Quick Search Updates

KU Libraries – including the Lawrence campus, Wheat Law Library, and KU Medical Center – are migrating to a new library services platform this summer. The biggest change for users is the libraries’ search engine – Quick Search – which moves to a new platform on June 3, with full migration completing June 17. Some disruption is expected around those dates, including a freeze on new purchase and hold requests the week after Memorial Day.

Before the switch, you must save your data from Book Bag or Favorites as this information WILL NOT transfer to the new system.

This page explains what’s changing and what you can expect.

What’s changing?  

Quick Search is moving to a new platform 

Our current Quick Search (powered by Primo) will be replaced with a new discovery platform: EDS (EBSCO Discovery Service). For most users and most tasks, Quick Search is the only system you’ll need. 

  • Articles and databases 
  • Books and ebooks 
  • Media and other electronic resources 
  • Digital images

The Classic Catalog is retiring 

The Voyager Classic OPAC will be retired as part of this transition. Some catalog specific functions will be available through a separate system called Locate.

It’s important to know that Locate is not a direct replacement for the Classic OPAC (catalog.lib.ku.edu): 

  • Locate focuses on print and physical collections 
  • Locate includes limited electronic resources 
  • Articles, ebooks, and most online materials will be found in Quick Search, not Locate 

What’s staying the same? 

Even though the systems are changing, your core library services are not. 

You will still be able to: 

  • Request recalls 
  • Request items through interlibrary loan (ILL) 
  • Renew items online 
  • Access course reserves 
  • Pay charges online (if applicable) 
  • Request to have items retrieved from the shelf and put on hold 
  • Request to have material scanned and delivered electronically 
  • Place requests for KU Libraries to purchase materials

When is this happening? 

  • June 3 2026: Quick Search moves to the new EDS platform 
  • June 17 2026: Full migration to the new library services platform 

Some services may be briefly unavailable or limited during the transition. Updates and confirmed dates will be posted on this page and other locations. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Loans for physical books and account information such as fines or fees will be transferred to the new system. 

If you are using My Account services in Quick Search to save searches or item records, see "What should I do with My Favorites in Quick Search?" If you are using My Account and the Bookbag in the classic OPAC, see "What should I do with My Bookbag from the current catalog?"

 

Saved lists from the current systems, such as the Bookbag in the Voyager Classic OPAC, will not transfer. 

Before the migration you will need to download or export saved items from the Classic OPAC. View the Instructions for Exporting Bookbag page for a step-by-step guide to saving your information.

Saved lists from the current systems, such as My Favorites, including Saved Items, Saved Searches, and Search History will not transfer. 

Before the migration download or export saved items from Quick Search My Account. View the Instructions for Exporting Primo Favorites page for a step-by-step guide to saving your information.

Yes. Community borrowers will use Locate for “My Account” services. 

Faculty, staff, and students can manage most needs through Quick Search and linked services. 

System Update News

A view of the book stacks and study carrels in Watson 3.5 West Stacks.

April 2026 | Prepare for coming changes to KU libraries systems

Quick Search and the Library Catalog are moving to a new platform in June. Export your saved items (Bookbag, Favorites) now. See Library System Updates for details.
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Students gather at a group study table on the fourth floor of Watson Library.

February 2026 | Work on new platform continues ahead of June launch

KU Libraries is preparing to go live this summer with a new library services platform (LSP), FOLIO, and a suite of integrated products to empower essential backend capabilities and user-facing upgrades. The new open‑source system will enhance functionality for instructors and students, increase efficiencies in essential libraries services, unify systems across the Lawrence campus, Wheat Law Library, and KU Medical Center, and better support library user needs.
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Students cross the street with flowers in the foreground and Watson Library in the background.

June 2025 | KU Libraries select FOLIO as new library services platform

The University of Kansas Libraries signed an agreement to implement FOLIO, hosted and supported by EBSCO Information Services, as its new library services platform (LSP). With this transition, KU Libraries are embracing a flexible, open-source solution that supports academic research, discovery and innovation across the university’s programs and services.
Read More

Need further assistance?

For further questions or to troubleshoot specific issues that may arise during the transition, please reach out to KU Libraries' System Update team at libwebhelp@ku.edu.