For the past thirteen months, the ODU Libraries have been working to update and improve the Library Catalog and Discovery Tool. After a seven-month evaluation of vendors and products, ODU Libraries selected Ex Libris' state-of-the-art systems, Alma and Primo, and our implementation task force has been working tirelessly for the past 6 months to prepare for the migration of our catalog and discovery tool to Alma and Primo. "From our initial research phase, up to and including our current implementation process, this change has really involved all members of the University Libraries and has been a true Libraries-wide team effort. The implementation task force, which is comprised of Libraries' staff and librarians, has really put a huge amount of time, effort, and care into not only making this transition as smooth as possible, but making sure we're really making the most of this opportunity to improve our operational efficiency and the research experiences for our library users. We're all very excited about the improved services we'll be able to provide with this new system!" Ashley Brewer, Information Deliver Services Librarian & Project Manager, ODU Libraries.
Alma is the back-end system that Libraries staff will use to process resources and Primo is the search and discovery tool for users. The two systems integrate seamlessly and will significantly improve the Libraries' ability to provide easy and accurate linking to full-text online content, and facilitate the discovery of the Libraries' print and electronic resources. James Rhoades, the Social Sciences Librarian and member of the Alma/Primo implementation task force states that, "this next generation discovery tool enables users to search for books, articles, and other resources that the Libraries own or subscribe to with greater accuracy and ease all at one place. It truly replicates one-stop shopping by creating a one-click experience." Alma and Primo will provide the basis the Libraries need to better support instructional and research initiatives at the University for years to come.
The migration to Alma and Primo will occur July 1-July 5, 2016. The search box on the homepage will changes at the end of the mirgration on July 5. Because of the migration, course reserve materials for courses that begin on June 27 will not be processed until the week of July 3. We apologize for the inconvenience. The ODU Libraries' instruction team and public services departments will be available to assist you in learning how to use our new discovery tool. We will continue to update our website with information. Early in the fall semester there will be opportunities for faculty and students to learn more about conducting research with the new tool through in-person workshops and online learning tools. Please contact your subject librarian if you need help with the new discovery tool or would like to learn more about how to best use it for your research.
For more information about this project, please contact our migration team leader, Ashley Brewer, abrewer@odu.edu.