Frequently Asked Questions.
This page will be updated as new questions or more detailed answers are available.
Along with all members of OhioLINK, our library will be upgrading from our current III Xplore/Search@XU system to a new system, ExLibris’ Alma/Primo. It will be the first library system change since OhioLINK was formed more than 30 years ago. When fully implemented over the next two years, this significant upgrade will provide greater efficiencies to library workflows, improve library services such as a better User Experience for faculty and students to find library materials, offer integration with our LMS (Canvas) and lead to cost savings.
Alma is a state-of-the-art library systems software, and the most-used library system in U.S. academic libraries. More than 65% of Association of Research Libraries use Alma. Alma is the backbone of day-to-day library operations (acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, etc.), and generates the underlying data that drives library business decisions and reporting.
Primo is the “discovery” interface that students, faculty, and other library patrons use to find (and access) information in the library’s collection. Its user-friendly interactions will be more intuitive and similar to today’s consumer products.
Our scheduled go-live with Alma/Primo is June 18, 2025. Other products in the platform will be implemented over 2025-2026.
Alma/Primo will replace our existing Staff-facing software, Web Library catalog branded Xplore and Search@XU, as well as the OhioLINK catalog and borrowing.
The interface will look different, but the actual collections included in the search will not change or be disrupted by the migration. Users will have new ways to search across electronic and print collections.
No, the collection itself is not changing. We will still have the same resources we currently have.
March 1, 2025 is the last date to purchase or license new materials during this fiscal year (ending on June 30, 2025). Purchasing and licensing will resume after the new fiscal year begins on July 1, 2025. Any purchasing/licensing questions can be directed to Sydney Sparks (sparkss2@xavier.edu)
What if I want to add items to Course Reserves?
March 24 is the last day to request items be added to Course Reserves between the end of March and June 23 (this applies to both Library-owned materials and faculty-owned materials). Address questions to Megan Kickbush (kickbushm@xavier.edu)
Can I still request OhioLINK or SearchOhio materials?
OhioLINK requesting will look a little different between May 23 and June 18. Details will be forthcoming, and this document will be updated when those are finalized. Borrowing from SearchOhio libraries will resume sometime during the fall semester. The library will accommodate your needs with other ways to obtain materials during these gaps.
Will I have to change my permalinks in my syllabi, reading lists, and Canvas pages?
Beginning with Fall semester courses, existing links to library sources in syllabi, readings lists, and Canvas pages will need updating using the new Primo search tool. You can begin to update your existing links after our go-live date of June 18, 2025.
What are the benefits of this migration?
The ExLibris suite of products will better manage e-resources, a growing part of our library’s collections. This change will also provide a more intuitive user experience, offering expanded search capabilities, personalization, and tracking of requests. Additional benefits include integration with Canvas, a forthcoming app for mobile devices, increased technological stability and security, and automatic cloud-based software updates.
Are there other products forthcoming?
In late 2025 and early 2026, we will be rolling out other applications as part of the same system package, including Leganto (integration with our LMS, Canvas) and potentially Alma Digital (digital repository).