Question

How do Primo URLs work? 

Answer

Primo URLs are composed of multiple parameters that define what content is displayed (such as search results or a full record), how it is presented, and which institution or view is used. 

Key Components of a Primo VE URL 

1. Base URL 
Identifies the Primo VE instance: 

https://[institution].primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/ 

2. Path 
Defines the type of page being displayed. Common paths include: 

• /search – Search results 

• /fulldisplay – Full record display 

• /collectionDiscovery – Collection Discovery interface 

• /browse – Browse indexes 

• /jsearch – Journal search results 

3. Common Parameters 

• vid – View ID (defines configuration and branding) 

• query – Search query (format: field,condition,value) 

• tab – View tab to display 

• search_scope – Search scope (local, network, etc.) 

• context – Context level (for example, Local or Central Index) 

• docid – Record ID (used in full record display) 

• offset – Result position in the list 

• lang – Interface language 

• adaptor – Data source 

Example URLs 

Search results 

https://mylibrary.primo.exlibrisgrou...BC_INST:MyView 

Full record display 

https://mylibrary.primo.exlibrisgrou...BC_INST:MyView 

Collection Discovery 

https://mylibrary.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/collectionDiscovery?vid=01ABC_INST:MyView&collectionId=1234567890001234 

• Article last edited: 30-Dec-2025