Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2016

Abstract

Discovery systems such as Summon, EBSCO Discovery Service, Primo, and WorldCat Discovery Services have become part of academic libraries' standard toolbox. The Olin Library at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, became an early adopter of Serials Solutions Summon Service in 2009, enhancing access to print and electronic material. Although this has led to general improvements over the fractured searching of the traditional online catalog, database list, A-Z journal list, and digital repository, we recognized that the disparate systems hampered our ability to deliver a superior discovery experience and effectively provide other library services for our patrons.
Therefore, we did not begin by examining discovery tools, but new library systems. Our goal was to streamline data and resource management and enable further deconstruction of information silos that developed in the library. We previously used a SIRSI Integrated Library System for decades in addition to other systems that operated more or less in isolation from each other. Integration between them meant pushing and pulling data from one system to another, resulting in information lag and inconsistencies across systems. All of this impacted the discovery experience for end users.
While we investigated new library systems, it became apparent that we needed a revolutionary change versus an evolutionary change. We required a holistic system, one in which back-end processes seamlessly
integrated into the frontend discovery layer. After the investigation process, we decided to replace our SIRSI integrated library system (ILS), Serials Solutions electronic resources management system (ERMS), and Summon discovery layer with Ex Libris Alma/Primo. This chapter will detail our motivations for change, investigation, selection process, preparation, and implementation of the Alma/Primo system as well as offer a framework for evaluating when a system architecture no longer meets current needs.

Publication Title

Faculty Publications

COinS