What is Summit?

Summit is the web-based unified library catalog of 30 plus member colleges and universities in Washington and Oregon. Through Summit you have access to more than 8 million titles (over 27 million items): books, DVDs, videotapes, sound recordings, government documents and more.

With a single search you can view items from all institutions of the Orbis Cascade Alliance, and eligible patrons may select and borrow materials directly through the Summit catalog. Move easily between the O’Grady Library catalog and the Summit catalog with a single mouse click.

When will the new Summit catalog be available?

The new catalog will be available in late 2008.  Learn more.

Who is eligible to use Summit?

Anyone may search the web-based catalog, but only current Saint Martin's students, faculty, members of the Monastic community and staff may request items. You must have a current library account at Saint Martin's for your request to be accepted.

Where do I find the Summit catalog?

Click on the logo above or here:  Summit

How do I search in Summit?

Searching in Summit is similar to searching the O'Grady Library catalog. You can search by author, title, keyword, subject, and more.  The Summit Help Menu offers guidance on keyword and other searches.  Or ask a reference librarian for assistance in getting started or with refining your search.

How soon will I receive a Summit item?

Most items arrive at the O’Grady Library, and are available for check-out, within 2-3 business days.

How do I know when a Summit item has arrived?

You will receive an e-mail when the item arrives. The status of Summit requests is also listed in your O'Grady Library account, which you can view through the O'Grady Library catalog.

What is the Summit loan period?

Most items check out for 21 days with 1 renewal. Some items, such as most videos and DVDs, check out for 3 days with no renewal. The loan period is set by the lending institution.

May I renew an item?

You may renew most Summit items once. Items with a 3-day loan period may not be renewed.

Where do I pick-up Summit items?

In most cases, you will pick up the item at the O'Grady Library circulation desk. However, you can designate any Orbis Cascade Alliance member institution as your pick-up location when you make a Summit request. Be sure you have your Saint Martin's ID with you when you go to pick up an  item.

Where do I return Summit items?

You may return Summit items to the O'Grady Library circulation desk or to any Orbis Cascade Alliance member library, no matter where you had it delivered for pick up.

How do I renew an item?

In the O'Grady Library catalog, log into your library account and click on the link "Items Currently Checked Out." Then simply select the items you wish to renew and press Renew Selected Items.

Is there a limit on the number of items I may borrow from Summit?

You are limited to 200 active requests at one time—the total of items currently checked out or requested.

May I borrow journal articles through Summit?

No, member institutions do not lend journals or journal articles. Use ILLiad to request journal articles.

Is there a charge for borrowing an item through Summit?

There is no charge to Saint Martin's patrons for borrowing items, if they are returned on time and in good condition. The O'Grady Library pays all courier costs and the Orbis Cascade Alliance membership fee.

Am I charged a fine if I return a Summit item late?

Yes, you will be fined $1.00 per day. Your library account, as well as Summit and ILLiad borrowing, will be blocked until the item is returned and the fine paid.

What am I charged if I lose an item?

Summit charges are significantly higher than those assessed by O’Grady Library and are, under consortial policy, not negotiable. Replacement costs and fees total a minimum of $90.

Where do I get assistance with Summit?

Phone the O'Grady Library reference staff at 360.486.8803, email us, or use Ask a librarian to chat online.

Summit FAQ in PDF (print-friendly)