Ex Libris Implementation Project Update – September 2018

quicksearch logoThe fall semester has started, and September 5 marks the third month of Alma and QuickSearch implementation. We have focused on rectifying known problems in preparation for the new school year, and have made many improvements to the system and the services it provides. Thanks to feedback from users and library staff, we are continually making improvements to the system. We encourage and welcome your input and questions—submit them by visiting https://apps.libraries.rutgers.edu/ex-libris/contact.

As reported in the July update, the Implementation Team visited all four campuses in August. During those meetings, the team reported on the respective working groups and held discussions with library personnel. We appreciate the fact that people took the time to participate in these sessions and provided thoughtful feedback and questions. The discussions were lively and productive.

The Implementation Team would like to take this opportunity to share the following updates:

  • A QuickSearch tutorial has been created and will be available this fall. An announcement is forthcoming.
  • The library names facet in Primo has been revised to reflect abbreviated and more commonly known library names, making it more usable for patrons. For example, Archibald S. Alexander Library will now display as “Alexander Library”.
  • 856 links to finding aids and other materials are now available in the “Links” section of QuickSearch records.
  • Sign in has been improved to allow users to sign in with fewer actions and to more easily access account options such as loans, requests, and favorites.
  • Database lookup has been enabled so that users who enter database names (PubMed, JSTOR, Factiva) in the search box get a direct link to that resource at the top of their search results.
  • An open access filter is now available in QuickSearch, enabling users to limit results to content published in open access publications.
  • A number of fields are now available in QuickSearch record displays, including uniform title, language, identifier, related work, and several local note fields (e.g., general, bound with, performer, production credits, donor, and finding aid). Additionally, the donor note is now searchable, making it easier to identify specific gift collections and to retrieve records for items in those collections.
  • Harvard has been added to the list of citation options and MLA has been updated to the 8th edition.
  • Users can now save records to Zotero.
  • Users are now able to pick up materials from off-site delivery locations, such as the law libraries.
  • A new marketing campaign for QuickSearch will be unveiled this fall.

The Implementation Team’s website is available at https://apps.libraries.rutgers.edu/ex-libris. It includes the various teams and working groups associated with the implementation, a timeline for the project, resources, an FAQ, and a list of known issues for Alma and QuickSearch (alias Primo). The team is working through both lists of issues, and the lists are updated as progress is made and issues are resolved.

We are fully aware that our experience with QuickSearch and Alma is one of learning and trial and error. The Implementation Team values input and collaboration from the Libraries as well as our user community to continually refine and improve this service.

Mary Beth Weber