VCU Libraries is now live with a unified resource management system and stands at the forefront of libraries worldwide in adopting the next generation of library technologies.
Changing scholarship, shifts in the publishing industry and new technologies are driving this improvement. "It is a system that positions VCU Libraries for the future of managing materials in all media on an increasingly large scale," said John Duke, senior associate university librarian, who has led the technical team. "A huge benefit of being an early adopter is that VCU Libraries has had considerable voice in refining the software to answer the unique needs of a research library with a large academic health sciences campus. We also received some cost savings in opting in early," noted Duke.
Alma has been created using modern, rapid software development tools. This makes for very quick software production, with managed feedback from users to guide development as it is constantly tested. Alma was designed with partner libraries to help manage the variety of materials a modern library holds, taking advantage of technology and learning from other libraries to reduce costs and speed processing. Over time, it is expected that many internal workflows will change and library leadership envisions new efficiencies and savings that can be invested in enhanced services or improved collections.
In a small group of early-adopter libraries, VCU Libraries has been working with Ex Libris to replace the library management system VCU has used for a decade. Ex Libris began rolling out the new Alma system earlier in 2012. VCU is the third library in North America and the largest major research institution to date to launch Alma. It follows Boston College and Fort Hays State University, which went live in the summer.
Alma is a single, consolidated library system that manages print, electronic and digital collections. It replaces several systems that separately manage different aspects of library operations. The use of business analytics and real-time resource analysis tools within Alma will allow the library to become much more efficient and provide an opportunity for cost-containment. This uniform resource management system allows staff to monitor and manage collections, databases and other resources. Library staff also can track usage and analyze collections on a real-time basis.
Alma, and its kin software, Primo, represent the next generation in information management. Primo is a single search discovery tool that effectively is retiring the old "catalog."
Alma is cloud-based software often referred to as software as a service (SaaS). For years, the library has operated its integrated library systems on computer servers on campus and managed these systems using personnel of VCU Libraries and Technology Services. The new model moves the library system off campus to the Internet, where it runs on robust servers managed by a third-party vendor. Service is seamless to the library patron and available around the clock. The benefits for the university: Less expense, less server maintenance, better access, enhanced reliability.
Changing scholarship, shifts in the publishing industry and new technologies are driving this improvement. "It is a system that positions VCU Libraries for the future of managing materials in all media on an increasingly large scale," said John Duke, senior associate university librarian, who has led the technical team. "A huge benefit of being an early adopter is that VCU Libraries has had considerable voice in refining the software to answer the unique needs of a research library with a large academic health sciences campus. We also received some cost savings in opting in early," noted Duke.
Alma has been created using modern, rapid software development tools. This makes for very quick software production, with managed feedback from users to guide development as it is constantly tested. Alma was designed with partner libraries to help manage the variety of materials a modern library holds, taking advantage of technology and learning from other libraries to reduce costs and speed processing. Over time, it is expected that many internal workflows will change and library leadership envisions new efficiencies and savings that can be invested in enhanced services or improved collections.
A team of information management experts, led by University Librarian John E. Ulmschneider and Senior Associate University Librarian John Duke, have been working through the myriad of details, tests, feedback and iterations since March, 2012. The new system went live October 24.