Alma@UEL:
Implementation of a next generation Library system
Adjoa K. BoatengUKSG 2013
Alma@UEL: Overview
What
Alma is software as a service, posted in a cloud environment. An ExLibris product
Replaces Aleph, ARC, Adam, Verde and SFX
WhyReduces total cost of ownershipReturn on InvestmentEmpowering staff to offer innovative services Linking our collections & expertise to the globeEnabling us to harvest and integrate high quality resourcesEnable us to magnify UEL’s reputation
WhenAugust 2012 – to date
Alma@UEL: 2012 Timetable
• Kick-off meeting 20 March
• Access to Sandbox 10 April
• Alma Functional Training WebEx 10 Apr – 2 May
• Aleph & SFX test migration 28 Apr – 4 May
• Access to Production environment 8 May
• Functional Workshop, part 1 10 – 11 May
• Functional Workshop, part 2 17 – 18 May
• Alma Reports & Analytics training 20 June
• Workflow & Integrations testing June -26 July
• Cutover period 27 July-12 Aug
• Go Live 13 August
Alma@UEL: Implementation
• Training staff – Project groups (Fulfilment, Acquisitions, ILLs, Resource
Management)
• Clear identification of responsibilities • Communication and repetition
Alma@UEL: Technical aspects
• Primo V4 upgrade & Alma integration into Primo – Undertaken on staging environment
• Using Primo front end after integration• Administration Certification training after go live (limited to
Systems staff)
Alma@UEL: Post Implementation
• Still too early to give a definitive response• Communication and flexibility very important
• Understanding of changing functionality and revised workflows
• Some unexpected issues needing resolution• Patron loader, E-resource activation, Serials check-
in
• Potential exploitation of functions available • Digital possibilities, analytics
ALMA@UEL: What went well
• Data migration• SFX migration• Core functionality for most processes• Configuration of Alma• Integration with Primo
ALMA@UEL: What did not go so well
• Self service – blocked by IT because of security concerns• E-mail notifications – courtesy notices, hold notification
and activity reports• Hold requests could not be placed by patrons• Automatic renewals – user policies could not be applied
retrospectively• British Library interloans – no request form in Primo we
have to use Google forms• We have not yet been able to charge for fines• Patron configuration not working with self service and
Primo
ALMA@UEL: How was this resolved
• December 2012 - 13 day meeting with ExLibris project team and developers
• Weekly post-implementation project calls• Fortnightly top 5 calls with project
manager and developers• Fixes in monthly releases and hot fixes
ALMA@UEL: What is next
• New Stratford Library• Self service and automated book sorting• SMS• Manual editing of patron records• Import data for bulk updates• BL ILL request form in Primo to make
requests in Alma
Alma@UEL: Live overview
• Overdue notices• Now reintroduced Fines• Working towards implementing claims• Self-service is improving• ILL loans solution expected in next release