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51���� Libraries is pleased to introduce Ex Libris Alma as its new Library Services Platform.

Alma provides a more modern and customizable search experience and is designed to more seamlessly represent the Libraries’ vast and varied collections, while also connecting the OHIO community to the collections of the other 114 OhioLINK member libraries across the state.

“Alma is the best Integrated Library System on the market,” said Rob Ross, dean of University Libraries. “There is no comparison.  When you consider all of the time, money and expertise that has been invested in curating the University Libraries’ collection, it is imperative to make that collection as discoverable as possible.  As librarians, our mission is to connect learners with knowledge and Alma will help facilitate that connection.”

Moving forward, the , ArticlesPlus and OhioLINK’s Library Catalog will look a bit different, but have no fear, University Libraries will support the OHIO community during this change. Due to the migration, all ALICE and Articles Plus website permalink URLs are now deactivated and will need to be revised.

However, the University Libraries’ “” enables faculty to submit requests on a first come, first served basis to receive help in replacing all their existing URLs. In addition, University Libraries has tutorials and to help instructors who want to update their current links and add the new University Libraries content to their courses on their own. 

Damon DeBorde, head of Metadata Services and lead for the Alma migration task force, mentioned that the switch to Alma is something interesting and brand new for University Libraries.

“This significant transition marks a transformative change for the Libraries, offering exciting opportunities to increase efficiency, gain valuable library data insights, and enhance the user search experience,” DeBorde said. “In particular, the Libraries look forward to the reduction of manual tasks, allowing staff more time to pursue new services and collaborations.”

Hanna Schmillen, assistant dean for research and education services and subject librarian for health sciences, also mentioned that University Libraries anticipates that the migration will enhance access and navigation to the Libraries’ resources and OhioLINK book requests with a smoother system. Requests from OhioLINK and regional campuses services will begin again in late June.

“The 51���� Libraries is so excited to debut our new library system and discovery layer,” Schmillen said. “We aim to have all of our materials be more accessible and findable with this new system and, improve our internal workflows which will allow Libraries’ staff to think creatively and expand our core services.”

University Libraries wants to express its sincere appreciation to the staff who have been intimately involved in this migration process and have demonstrated much work and dedication to get to this significant point.

For more information, contact Schmillen at schmille@ohio.edu.