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

Thank youand

Questions

a.boateng@uel.ac.uk