IMechE's virtual library expands

New search functionality improves access to books and journals as usage increases

The IMechE has made accessing the extensive contents of its online virtual library and archives easier with new search functionality.

The contents of the virtual library and archives are increasingly be made available to those members unable to visit the physical library at One Bird Cage Walk, London. Accessible here, the library contains more than 40,000 online books, journals, guides, records and databases.

Sarah Rogers, manager of information and library services at the IMechE, said: “The virtual library contains everything from subscriptions with the key scientific publishers to the latest business and trade journals, exclusively to IMechE members. In many cases you can get a free book.

“But, the more content from different sources we had, the more confusing it was becoming to get what you wanted. The global search functionality has made it much easier, and we're expecting a real increase in users.”

This year there has seen almost 300,000 'visits' to the virtual library, and more than 175,000 downloads of books and journals. Around 60% of users came from the UK, while the other top regions included the Netherlands, Germany, US, Hong Kong, UAE, Malaysia, Australia and India.

Next year will also see the library team expand access to its archive and historical collections online for international members. The latest software will be used to render historical items in the archive in 3D online, while vital documents, such as the minutes of the first meeting of the Institution, will be made searchable.