In Fall 2018 I began preparing the FC Library for a systems migration from Voyager to Alma/Primo (Ex Libris) as part of the state-wide LSP Project. The multi-stage process began in January 2019 and officially ended in December 2019.
Once the migration was complete, I worked with Librarians and Staff to resolve problems and create new workflows that best matched the live Alma/Primo environment. In March 2020, the Fullerton College campus temporarily closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Alma/Primo was quickly reconfigured to meet the needs of faculty and students teaching and learning from off-campus.
Spring/Fall 2020 Update
- Worked with Assessment Librarian to configure Alma Analytics to automate library data capture to support national and state-level reporting requirements.
- Worked with Cataloging and Acquisitions staff to import new MARC records, add holdings, and connect our records to the state-wide Alma Network Zone.
- Reconfigured Alma/Primo to support an online-only environment beginning in March 2020. This involved extending loan periods, suspending late fee accumulation, and sending specialized notifications to students and faculty.
- Worked in conjunction with administrators, Library Staff, and ACT to configure Alma to support a laptop lending program during campus closure.
- Worked with state-level Alma Network Zone Manager to match Institution Zone holdings to correct OCLC numbers.
- Worked with Library Staff to plan and promote a Library Lending Pilot Program to support curbside pickup of materials during Fall 2020. This involved configuring Alma to accept student requests (such as holds). This also involved multiple meetings and ongoing coordination between myself and Library Staff to design curbside pickup workflows.
Spring 2019 Update
- Attended LSP Kick-Off Event
- Met weekly with Ex Libris for training and check-in. This included watching numerous online training videos, reading Ex Libris product documentation, participating in Canvas course discussions, and completing weekly exercises.
- Completed Voyager Migration Form, Physical to Electronic (p2e) file, and Activation Form during in preparation for March 8th data extract.
- Began providing training to designated library staff members in preparation for wider training across entire library in Alma/Primo
Fall 2019 Update
- I spent Summer configuring Alma circulation rules, updating MARC records in Voyager in anticipation of final data upload, and learning more about Alma.
- I have started to provide individualized training to Circulation Staff members on basic Alma functions.
- I will be working in conjunction with all Librarians to train on Primo system and configure it for optimal functionality.
- I will be meeting with Cal-West and regional CCC Librarians on Friday afternoons in Fall semester to configure Alma and formulate best practices.
- Participated in Fall in-person workshops hosted by Ex Libris in Riverside.
- Earned official Ex Libris certification in Alma and Primo.