Bi-Weekly Update

Alma Update 2/2/2018

Cynthia Schwarz posted on Feb 02, 2018

The new Alma UI is now in place for everyone. We continue to troubleshoot and address issues as they arise, and have seen several recently related to fulfillment issues. In the coming weeks and months, check back to the Confluence site for additional documentation of some of the settings in Alma as well as the beginnings of a data dictionary.

Ex Libris is on a rapid release schedule. This means that a new release comes out every month. You can read the new features and fixes coming out in February here: https://knowledge.exlibrisgroup.com/Alma/Release_Notes/010_2018/11_February_2018/Alma_February_2018_Release_Notes#APIs

Also, we have noticed that sometimes things break when a new release is pushed. For example, the feature that allows for proxied users broke with the January release. If you notice anything that is not quite right or something that used to work but doesn't anymore, please contact Library Technology via tul-web-support@temple.edu. Please have specific examples ready when possible.

Alma New UI - Updates for 12/1/2017

Cynthia Schwarz posted on Dec 01, 2017

According to Ex Libris, we will permanently switch to the new Alma User Interface (UI) on January 7, 2018. Many library staff have already begun using the new UI. However, if you have not yet begun to use the new UI, I encourage you to do so to get familiar with it prior to January 7.

To enable the new UI in Alma, navigate to the top-right corner and click on your name. Then click on "Enable new UI".

Below are a few resources to help you familiarize yourself with the new Alma UI:

Introduction videos on the Ex Libris Knowledge Center: https://knowledge.exlibrisgroup.com/Alma/Training/Alma_Essentials_(NewUI)/Alma_Essentials_(New_UI)_-_English

Temple-specific documentation housed in Confluence: https://tulibdev.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/IM/pages/28770306/Fulfillment+Documentation

- Documentation will be prefaced with "new UI". This is a work-in-progress and updated documentation will be added gradually between now and January.

At this time, we are not planning library-wide training sessions. However, if you have questions or concerns about the transition to the new UI, please contact me.

Alma Update

Cynthia Schwarz posted on Oct 13, 2017

New Alma UI: The big discussion right now is on the new Alma user interface that will officially be released to us at the end of November or beginning of December. Several library staff have already begun using the new UI. You can as well. Log into Alma, go to your name in the upper right corner and select Enable New UI. I have found some bugs that have been reported to Ex Libris. As I receive reports or issues, I will continue to report them to Ex Libris.

Alma/Primo Bi-Weekly Update 9/22/2017

Emily Toner (Unlicensed) posted on Sept 22, 2017

Alma

Library Staff User Group

We recently added a new user group for Library Staff. This will allow library staff, particular Access Services staff, to perform overrides and other work-arounds that the system would otherwise block. This functionality will help us better serve our patrons.

Alma New UI

As I mentioned in the previous update, the Alma New UI is now available for those that would like to begin using it. All staff will be required to use it come the end of November. Updated basic documentation will be available in mid-October.

Primo

Below is a list of major Primo updates and ongoing issues that we are aware of and working on.

In addition, Emily has drafted a "Tech Bit" email about "Finding available resources in the Library Search" that will be sent out to the university on 10/3. A post on the "What's Your Suggestion?" blog with search tips will also be published in the next week or so.

Major updates from 9/8 to 9/22

Updated "Send to" section
- "Zotero/Mendeley" button renamed "Download RIS file"
- "Endnote" button moved/renamed "Endnote Online"
- Added "Download BibTex file" button
Reindexed catalog in Primo to address issue with links for biographical contributors
Fixed encoding issues in Alma records from a vendor, which caused issues in Primo search/display

Known issues/questions that we are in the process of reviewing

Issues with title-level results for serials, especially newspapers and magazines (ex. New York Times, Newsweek)
Title-level results for databases: Erin is in the process of reviewing this.
Suppressed records in Alma/Primo: We're currently discussing whether or not we want to adjust which records are suppressed (ex. missing items).
Looking into how citation-only records are displayed in Primo results

For additional issues, see the Primo Feedback issue tracker: https://tulibdev.atlassian.net/projects/PRIMOFEED/issues

Blacklight

The Blacklight project is in full swing again. We just completed a series of development cycles ("sprints") focused on the Alma-Blacklight publishing process and the search functionality in Blacklight. For further details on the development of this project and upcoming milestones, see the Discovery project pages on Confluence. The Discovery open sessions for all staff will be also be announced soon.

Alma/Primo Bi-Weekly Update 9/8/2017

Emily Toner (Unlicensed) posted on Sept 07, 2017

Alma

New Alma User Interface

This is now available in our production Alma for any users who wish to turn it on. To enable the new UI, navigate to the upper right hand corner. Click on your name and select "Enable New UI".
All users will get the new UI in November or December, so please start experimenting now.

Alma Analytics Working Group

Nancy Turner has convened a working group for Alma Analytics. This group meets to discuss the best ways to get data and analytics out of Alma for a variety of purposes. If you need a report of data from Alma, please reach out to Nancy and she or the group can assist you in creating the report.

Tech Services Working Group

The Tech Services Working Group that formed during the migration will continue to meet and self organize to discuss all topics related to tech services and Alma. Contact Brian Schoolar, Katy Rawdon or Sarah Yerger if interested.

Primo

Below is a list of major Primo updates and ongoing issues that we are aware of and working on.

Major updates from 8/25 to 9/8

Library location added to Advanced Search options
- You can now search for library locations, including specific areas within each library (ex. "Paley Library Leisure Reading," "Ambler Campus Library Stacks," etc.)
Call numbers search improved
ILL location display
- Previously "Resource Sharing Library," this location has been relabeled "Interlibrary Loan" for greater clarity.
Wikipedia records removed
Tweaks for finding aids display

Known issues/ideas that we are in the process of reviewing

Issues with title-level results for serials, especially newspapers, and magazines (ex. New York Times, Newsweek): Emily has reported these issues to Ex Libris and is waiting for more information.
Title-level results for databases: Erin is in the process of reviewing this.
Suppressed records in Alma/Primo: We're currently discussing whether or not we want to adjust which records are suppressed (ex. missing items).

For additional issues, see the Primo Feedback issue tracker: https://tulibdev.atlassian.net/projects/PRIMOFEED/issues

Highlighted feature

In the Primo August release, the option was added to make active filters persistent throughout a session, known as "sticky facets."

For more information, see the Primo August 2017 Highlights.

Alma/Discovery Bi-Weekly Update 8/25/2017

Cynthia Schwarz posted on Aug 07, 2017

Alma

Yesterday was the official end to the Alma Implementation/Migration project as far as Ex Libris is concerned. From now on, any issues that we encounter must be submitted as tickets through Ex Libris' Salesforce ticketing system. If you encounter any issues with Alma, please contact Jim, Chin or myself and we will work with you to resolve the issues.

Primo

Implementation Updates

Below is a list of major Primo updates and ongoing issues that we are aware of and working on.

Major updates from 8/6 to 8/25

Text message feature: The LTD dev team has built and implemented a customized SMS feature, so that users can text a call number to their phone. This feature only appears for items in our physical collections and does not include serials and items with online resources, due to technical constraints with Primo. It was adapted from a feature developed by Tufts.
Search relevancy and search engine configuration: Some adjustments have been made to the searchable fields to improve overall results.
Previews for unavailable ProQuest dissertations removed from search results
Display of finding aid links updated: Finding aid links now appear under "Find Online" to increase their visibility. This means that these records will also appear as "Online" in search results.
Display of Alma loan rules for anonymous users updated
- What used to read "Loanable" now reads "Login for availability options"
- What used to say "Not loanable" now reads "Library Use Only"
"Temple doesn't have it?" link added to top of search results: This links to a LibAnswer FAQ and is for users when they can't find what they're looking for in the Library Search.
"Blocks and Messages" suppressed from My Library Account

Known issues that we are in the process of reviewing

Issues with title-level results for serials, especially newspapers, and magazines (ex. New York Times, Newsweek): Emily has reported these issues to Ex Libris and is waiting for more information.
Library facets and location information: Cynthia and Emily are looking into whether or not more granular location information should be added to facets.
Title-level results for databases: Erin is in the process of reviewing this.

For additional issues, see the Primo Feedback issue tracker: https://tulibdev.atlassian.net/projects/PRIMOFEED/issues

Start of the Semester

If library patrons are frustrated with the Library Search or ask why this change happened, consider highlighting the following:

The Library Search is designed to streamline the discovery of library resources. Library patrons can search in one place rather than checking through multiple systems (Summon, Diamond, Journal Finder).
This change is part of a larger library system migration that will keep us up-to-date. This multi-faceted system will also give us more flexibility and control to develop new features, including an enhanced open-source version of the Library Search in 2018.
The Libraries are actively working to address system issues and bugs. Feedback can be submitted at asktulibrary@temple.edu.

Here is a short description of the Library Search, which can inserted into beginning-of-the-semester email messages or any other communication:

Introducing the Library Search

On July 3rd, 2017, we launched the Library Search to replace Summon and the library catalog (known as Diamond). The new search is your gateway to discover books, articles, and much more at Temple University Libraries.

Check out the Library Search FAQs
Contact me if you have any questions or concerns

Blacklight

This week, the development team is completing its second development sprint in Blacklight. The primary objectives of the last two weeks was building out the infrastructure to be able to harvest data. Next week will be a break week and the next sprint will begin on 9/5.

Alma/Discovery Bi-Weekly Update 8/4/2017

Cynthia Schwarz posted on Jul 31, 2017

Alma

The formal Alma/Primo migration continues to wind down. On August 24, we will official "Switch-to-support" with Ex Libris. This means that we will no longer have our migration project consultants at Ex Libris and instead will handle all issues through their SalesForce Ticketing System. This marks the end to the formal migration project. Thank you again to everyone who worked tirelessly over the last eight months to bring this project to completion on time and with minimal disruption to our patrons.

Questions have come up recently regarding different patron groups and the borrowing privileges afforded each group. The loan policy for an item is determined by a combination of the user group and the specific item information. This is very similar to how loan policies were determined in Millennium. There are far too many user group and item combinations to list them all or provide sample accounts with which to test. If you have patrons who would like to know how long they may loan a book, please refer them to the borrowing privileges page on the library's website: https://library.temple.edu/services/privileges.

Primo

Below is a list of major Primo updates and ongoing issues that we are aware of and working on. We will continue to send out reports like this to keep everyone updated on the progress and resolution of reported issues.

We are also in the process of updating the Link Exchanger service. Currently, some links have not been properly redirecting. This was due to an issue with incomplete data from Ex Libris, which we are correcting now.

Major updates from 7/24 to 8/5

Primo August release: On August 5th, Primo will be updated by Ex Libris with new improvements and bug fixes. This includes configuring the email export sender address (which will be updated to asktulibrary@temple.edu), a new "Send to" citation option for MLA 8th ed., updates to facet selections, support of RSS feeds, and more. Refer to the Primo August 2017 Highlights for details (please note that we plan on disabling Featured Results, Personalized Results, and Resource Recommender for now, until these features can be further tested).
FRBR-ized groupings that merged together "multiple versions" removed from the search results
Table of Contents no longer appearing as online resources
Unavailable items now appear as "Checked out or temporarily unavailable at" (to account for statuses such as "On Order")
Blocks/Messages and notification checkboxes removed from My Library Account
Updated explanatory text on Citation Linker page

Known issues that we are in the process of reviewing

Search relevancy and search engine configuration: We are looking into improvements to boost local collections.
Text message feature: The LTD dev team is reviewing the possibility of building a customized SMS "Send To" feature, so that users can text a call number to their phone (replicating the feature in Diamond).
Issues with title-level results for newspapers and magazines (ex. New York Times, Newsweek)
Display of different Alma loan rules for logged in vs. anonymous users: This will be reviewed by the Alma Fulfillment group.

For additional issues, see the Primo Feedback issue tracker: https://tulibdev.atlassian.net/projects/PRIMOFEED/issues

Alma/Discovery Bi-Weekly Update 7/21/2017

Emily Toner (Unlicensed) posted on Jul 19, 2017

Alma

Alma and Primo have now been live for almost three weeks! The configuration changes and bug fixes are beginning to slow down to a reasonable pace. My hope is that we can catch most things before the school year starts at the end of August. Thank you so much to everyone for your patience as we've addressed many issues and will continue to do so for some time.

Primo

Below is a list of major Primo updates and ongoing issues that we are aware of and working on. We will continue to send out reports like this to keep everyone updated on the progress and resolution of reported issues.

Major updates since July 3rd, 2017

Advanced Search added to homepage
Call numbers now searchable
Updates to correct errors with Resource Type facets
"Online" option in search results now linked to "Find Online" section in full record display
Addition of alternative call numbers in Description field of "Find in Library" section
Non-OA HathiTrust records removed from search results

Known issues that we are in the process of reviewing

Search relevancy and search engine configuration: We are looking into improvements for known item searches.
FRBR-ized search results: We are looking into removing the groupings that merge together "multiple versions" in the search results. We have implemented this change in our new Primo Sandbox environment used for testing (this is not the production site). Please feel free to review this update and share your comments with Emily Toner.
OA options in Primo Central Index (ex. Wikipedia): These resources are currently included in Primo, but some may eventually be removed.
Issues with Citation Linker (i.e. "Find by Citation")

Known issues that cannot be updated (due to system limitations)

Order of holdings locations in record displays and search results
Record information included in email exports

For additional issues, see the Primo Feedback issue tracker: https://tulibdev.atlassian.net/projects/PRIMOFEED/issues

Blacklight

Work on the Blacklight discovery has resumed with new sprints being planned for the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more details!

Alma/Discovery Bi-Weekly Update 6/23/2017

Cynthia Schwarz posted on Jun 23, 2017

Alma Migration Update

Next Friday at this time, we will (hopefully) be live and working in Alma. Between now and then, however, a lot of work will take place. On Sunday, our cutover load data is scheduled to be released from the migration team to our Ex Libris consultant. She will do some initial checks of the data. On Monday, we expect the cutover data to be released to us for a quick review. We have until the end of the day on Wednesday to review our data and formally "accept" the data in preparation for the official GoLive on Thursday. Next week, any circulation of items on Tuesday and Wednesday will all be done through the Alma offline circulation module so that we can send our final patron/loan/request information to Ex Libris.

As a result, access to Millennium will begin to close on Tuesday. A few people will still have access to Millennium for historical purposes after the GoLive, but Millennium access for the majority of staff will be disabled.

As we prepare to go into our GoLive week, I want to recognize the tireless work of the implementation team during the last six months. So many in the library have worked hard to prepare and review the data in Millennium, to think through policy and workflow changes and to train themselves and their staff so that we are prepared for Thursday.

Discovery Update

Next week, after we have formally accepted our data on Wednesday, Ex Libris will index our holdings for display in Primo. Once this work is done, we will have our full dataset and functionality in Primo. Next Thursday and Friday, we will transition the website to point to Primo instead of Diamond and Summon. Again, I would like to highlight the work of Emily and the team of public services staff who have put in many hours thinking through the configuration of Primo to best meet the needs of our patrons. In the last two months, we have received over 50 points of feedback for Primo from the library staff. Many have been incorporated to further improve the experience for our users. We very much appreciate this involvement and feedback. In July, we will kick off our Web Presence Redesign Project and pick up with the Blacklight Discovery Project. Much of the feedback and discussions surrounding Primo display and functionality will inform the work that we do in developing Blacklight.

The following Services will be unavailable to patrons next week

Beginning Monday 26 Jun 2017 no intra or ILL requests will be accepted. Intras will begin again on Friday 30 Jun 2017 assuming Go Live goes smoothly. ILL will begin again on Wednesday, 05 Jul 2017 .

Beginning Tuesday 27 Jun 2017 patrons will not be able to renew their items, pay fines or remove blocks from their accounts. These three activities will resume once we Go Live on Thursday 29 Jun 2017 .

Import Dates/Milestones

19 Jun 2017 - At 11AM in the Lecture Hall, we will have our first Library Interface Discussion group. Please join us as we begin a conversation on this very important topic.

19 Jun 2017 - 23 Jun 2017 - No work may be done in Alma. Ex Libris will be loading the data and configurations **If you are involved with the Alma migration and still need to take vacation, this will be the ideal time to do so.

26 Jun 2017 - Ex Libris will deliver our production system with the newly loaded data

26 Jun 2017 - 28 Jun 2017 - Data review will take place and culminate with us formally accepting our data on June 28th.

27 Jun 2017 - Offline circulation module will be used for checkin/checkout of material

29 Jun 2017 - GoLive Date for Paley, Ambler, HSL and Harrisburg

30 Jun 2017 - GoLive Date for Rome and Japan

Alma/Discovery Bi-Weekly Update 6/9/17

Cynthia Schwarz posted on Jun 09, 2017

Alma Migration Update

Earlier this week, we submitted our cutover load of data to Ex Libris. This is the final load of data from Millennium that will populate our production version of Alma when we go live on June 29. This is a major milestone in the Millennium → Alma migration. Between now and June 29, we cannot make any additional configuration changes to Alma as Ex Libris will be working on their end to import all our data. The end of this project is in sight.

Discovery Update

Likewise, the work on Primo as our interim discovery layer is also winding down. Many tweaks and changes were made as a result of your feedback. We very much appreciate library staff who took the time to provide feedback on Primo. During the last few months, we've taken a brief hiatus from the work in Blacklight to focus on getting Primo ready to go. However, in July, we plan to pick back up with Blacklight as we kick off our project to redesign the library web presence interface. You will hear more about this soon.

Import Dates/Milestones07 Jun 2017

09 Jun 2017 - 16 Jun 2017 - No configuration changes can be made. However, training and practicing in Alma may occur

19 Jun 2017 - At 11AM in the Lecture Hall, we will have our first Library Interface Discussion group. Please join us as we begin a conversation on this very important topic.

19 Jun 2017 - 23 Jun 2017 - No work may be done in Alma. Ex Libris will be loading the data and configurations **If you are involved with the Alma migration and still need to take vacation, this will be the ideal time to do so.

26 Jun 2017 - Ex Libris will deliver our production system with the newly loaded data

26 Jun 2017 - 28 Jun 2017 - Data review will take place and culminate with us formally accepting our data on June 28th.

28 Jun 2017 - Offline circulation module will be used for checkin/checkout of material

29 Jun 2017 - GoLive Date for Paley, Ambler, HSL and Harrisburg

30 Jun 2017 - GoLive Date for Rome and Japan

Alma/Discovery Bi-Weekly Update

Cynthia Schwarz posted on May 12, 2017

Alma Migration Update

Now is the time to make final configuration changes in Alma in anticipation of the GoLive date. We are finalizing the wording of the email circulation notices that get sent to patrons. We are finishing up the integrations with 3rd party systems such as EZ-borrow, ILLiad and the self-check machines. We are finalizing the patron loads from Banner and the ability to send financial information back and forth. And finally, we are updating the migration form and field mapping form to prepare for the final data load in June.

Discovery Update

On the public services and discovery side, we now have our production Primo system with a sampling of our records. We are finalizing configuration changes here as well to make sure the facets and record information display as expected or desired. We have incorporated LibGuides and CONTENTdm material into Primo and are testing these two datasets. And we are working with the public services librarians and staff to update web content and instructional material to point to Primo. We welcome feedback on Primo both this afternoon at the public services open forum and online through JIRA using the instructions below.

To submit your feedback electronically:

Go to: https://tulibdev.atlassian.net/projects/PRIMOFEED
Click on the "Create" button in the main menu.
Fill out the feedback form for each individual issue -- by default, the form is submitted anonymously, so please include your name in the message.

Import Dates/Milestones

19 May 2017 - Draft final migration and field mapping forms sent to Ex Libris

19 May 2017 - Fulfillment Training - HSL - 1:00pm - 4:00pm

23 May 2017 - Fulfillment Training - Paley - 1:00pm - 4:00pm

24 May 2017 - Fulfillment Training - Ambler - 9:00am - 12:00pm

25 May 2017 - Fulfillment Training - Paley - 10:00am - 1:00pm

01 Jun 2017 - Technical Services Freeze begins at 6pm EST

02 Jun 2017 - 06 Jun 2017 Data extraction for final cutover load

07 Jun 2017 - Extracted data and final migration and field mapping forms sent to Ex Libris

07 Jun 2017 - 08 Jun 2017 - Ex Libris will be copying our current configurations - no changes should be made to the configuration during this time

09 Jun 2017 - 16 Jun 2017 - No configuration changes can be made. However, training and practicing in Alma may occur

19 Jun 2017 - 23 Jun 2017 - No work may be done in Alma. Ex Libris will be loading the data and configurations **If you are involved with the Alma migration and still need to take vacation, this will be the ideal time to do so.

26 Jun 2017 - Ex Libris will deliver our production system with the newly loaded data

26 Jun 2017 - 28 Jun 2017 - Data review will take place and culminate with us formally accepting our data on June 28th.

29 Jun 2017 - GoLive Date for Paley, Ambler, HSL and Harrisburg

30 Jun 2017 - GoLive Date for Rome and Japan

29 Jun 2017 Alma/Primo Go-Live

Alma/Discovery Bi-Weekly Update 3/24/17

Cynthia Schwarz posted on Mar 24, 2017

Alma Migration Update

The last few weeks have been spent testing the migrated data in Alma, testing workflows and processes that we currently do in Millennium and learning as much as possible about how the new system will operate. We will continue to do this testing, learning and training through April and May. April 11-13, we will have an on-site visit from Ex Libris to review several technical services and fulfillment workflows. An email to all staff will be sent soon outlining these sessions. If you are in any way involved in these processes, I encourage you to attend the sessions relevant to you. Additionally, more formal staff training is being planned for May.

Discovery Update

Blacklight: At the public services forum on March 10, Emily unveiled to us a preview of the accounts management page in Blacklight. This is the page where patrons will be able to view their checked out items, requests and renew items.

Primo: We now have our "first look" at Primo. You can view it for yourself here: http://exl-impl-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/primo-explore/search?sortby=rank&vid=01TULI

***Please note that this is the "out-of-the-box" Primo and does not yet have any of our customizations or configurations.***

User Testing/Feedback

Student testing is wrapping up for the semester.

Current Projects

Now that we have our test load, we are in full-on testing mode. We need to test and examine our data in the new environment as a way both to train staff on how to use Alma and evaluate how the data migrated. This will inform further configurations that we will need to make in Alma and also inform any changes that we need to make prior to the cutover load in June.

Import Dates/Milestone

11 Apr 2017 - 13 Apr 2017 Ex Libris On-site visit.

26 Apr 2017 Primo delivered on production - between the March meeting and this April meeting, we will review the data in Primo and make adjustments.

28 Apr 2017 Last day to purchase print materials in Millennium

05 May 2017 Last day to purchase electronic materials in Millennium

08 Jun 2017 Second and final data load (the cutover load) and technical services freeze

29 Jun 2017 Alma/Primo Go-Live

Alma Migration and Discovery Bi-Weekly Update 3/3/17

Cynthia Schwarz posted on Mar 03, 2017

Alma Migration Update

Today, we received our test load of data in Alma. This environment is what will eventually become our production environment on June 29. At the end of January, we extracted all of the data from Millennium and sent it along with a large configuration worksheet to Ex Libris. From that, they created our new environment. This is an exciting moment in the migration process. Now begins the tedious work of reviewing how the data migrated and what changes we'll need to make when we do the cutover load in June. We are in the process of creating user accounts for all staff who have responsibilities in Alma and will distribute them individually as they are ready.

Discovery Update

Blacklight: Now that we have our actual data within Alma, we can begin developing and testing around our data, as opposed to generic sandbox data.

Primo: We will get the first look at our Primo site on Monday, March 13.

User Testing/Feedback

Student testing continues twice monthly. And the next Public Services Open Discovery Forum will take place on Friday, March 10. Emily will send out an agenda shortly.

Current Projects

Now that we have our test load, we are in full-on testing mode. We need to test and examine our data in the new environment as a way both to train staff on how to use Alma and evaluate how the data migrated. This will inform further configurations that we will need to make in Alma and also inform any changes that we need to make prior to the cutover load in June.

Import Dates/Milestone

13 Mar 2017 Primo First Look meeting - we will get our first introduction to what our data looks like in the Primo Discovery Interface

11 Apr 2017 - 13 Apr 2017 Ex Libris On-site visit.

26 Apr 2017 Primo delivered on production - between the March meeting and this April meeting, we will review the data in Primo and make adjustments.

08 Jun 2017 Second and final data load (the cutover load) and technical services freeze

29 Jun 2017 Alma/Primo Go-Live

Alma Migration and Discovery Bi-Weekly Update 2/17/17

Cynthia Schwarz posted on Feb 17, 2017

Completed and Upcoming Tasks

COMPLETED: DRAFT Configuration Form submitted to Ex Libris on 2/16/17 - this document contains much of the baseline configuration for fulfillment (circulation) across all of our different library locations in addition to some other configuration settings. Again, many people were involved in getting this form completed. Ex Libris will review and we can add any last minute changes and submit the final version next Thursday 2/23/17.

UPCOMING: Ex Libris will deliver our test load of data to us at the beginning of March. This data will be delivered in what will eventually become our production Alma environment.

Discovery Update

Last Friday at the first Public Services Discovery Forum, Dave Lacy gave an update on the recent decision to go with our contingency plan and implement Primo for a short time while we continue development on Blacklight. More information about this will be forthcoming.

User Testing/Feedback

Students, faculty and community patrons: Rachel continues her twice-monthly Testing Tuesdays with a couple rounds of individual one-on-one feedback discussions.

Library Staff: The next Public Services Open Discovery Forum is Friday, March 10 at 2pm, facilitated by Emily.

Current Projects

Now that the configuration form is completed, or almost completed, we will move on to the third-party integrations form. This includes integrations with Shibboleth for authentication, Banner for student and financial information and the self-checkout, just to name a few.

Important Dates/Milestones

01 Mar 2017 The data from our first data load will be made available to us to review and test.

11 Apr 2017 - 13 Apr 2017 Ex Libris On-Site Visit. If you use the ILS as a significant part of your daily responsibilities, you will want to join us for the On-Site workshop. More details about this will be sent out close to the time.

08 Jun 2017 Second and final data load and technical services freeze - On this day, we will begin the second data load and all technical services activities will be frozen until the go-live date.

29 Jun 2017 Go Live Date - On this day, we will formally go live and begin working in Alma

Alma Migration Bi-Weekly Update 2/3/2017

Cynthia Schwarz posted on Feb 03, 2017

Completed Tasks

Delivered the first complete extract of data from Millennium to Ex Libris.

User Testing

Students, faculty and community patrons: The first session last week had seven participants and provided useful general feedback on the website and web ecosystem.

Library staff: The first of the public services open sessions will take place on Friday, February 10. Stay tuned for more information from Emily on this.

Current Projects

In preparation for the data migration, several smaller projects are happening:

Review of workflows - we are beginning discussions about how our internal workflows will change as result of the Alma migration
Review of functional department staff to determine who will have what authorization set in Alma
Preparation of the Alma Configuration Form that will determine the initial setup in our production Alma environment

Important Dates/Milestones

17 Feb 2017 Draft Configuration Form due to Ex Libris

23 Feb 2017 Final Configuration Form due to Ex Libris

01 Mar 2017 The data from our first data load will be made available to us to review and test.

11 Apr 2017 3-Day on-site workshop with consultant from Ex Libris

08 Jun 2017 Second and final data load and technical services freeze - On this day, we will begin the second data load and all technical services activities will be frozen until the go-live date.

29 Jun 2017 Go Live Date - On this day, we will formally go live and begin working in Alma

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