Libraries to Upgrade to New Management System; Shift to Temporarily Impact Services

University of Maryland Libraries has begun migrating to a new user interface and integrated library management system that will dramatically improve its online search functions and modernize core operations such as acquisitions, circulation, and e-resource licensing and management.

The system will go live May 23, joining all members of the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions Library Consortium in upgrading from its WorldCat Discovery platform, in use for over 20 years, to Alma and Primo from Ex Libris, part of Clarivate.

The Libraries aims to minimize disruptions for users during the process, but some system downtimes cannot be avoided; library buildings will also be closed May 23-24 as the new system is implemented. Library users will still be able to access online resources such as databases and online journals and request materials through interlibrary loan. Faculty and instructors are advised to learn more about how the migration may impact teaching and research needs.

With the upgraded system, library users will be able to search almost all of the Libraries’ collections in one place with enhanced features like automatic recommendations, virtual title browsing, an improved mobile user interface, and a personalized search experience that allows users to save items to their account and easily export records to citation management systems.

The new system will also streamline the interlibrary loan request process and increase cooperation with other UMD systems and between academic institutions across the state.

Members of the UMD community will have the opportunity to preview the new system and provide feedback between April 8-26. For more information about this and the transition, visit the Libraries' dedicated migration project webpage.