Library Service Changes 2025

What is happening?

OhioLINK received funding from the state of Ohio to migrate all member libraries to a new library services platform.  ExLibris Alma/Primo VE was selected as the new platform.  The process to migrate began early in 2024 and will continue through the system's go-live in June 2025.  See the "What will change?" tab for a list of services that will change as a result of this migration project. 

Libraries have changed a lot since our existing library catalog software was created 30 years ago. We now curate collections of print and electronic content to support teaching, learning, and research, and we need a more robust platform to do this work.

The new system will provide features and benefits for library users:

• Faster searching – search electronic and print resources in one search if preferred
• Enhanced discovery -- explore automatic recommendations, citation trails, availability in multiple formats, and track requests
• Personalized features –saves preferences, searches, citations, and export to citation management systems
• More intuitive user experience
• Mobile friendly – a responsive user interface designed specifically for mobile devices

While the system will be easy to use, the library will provide training opportunities for you to learn more.

What will change?

These services will change:

• Bluffton Library Catalog
• OhioLINK Library Catalog (encore version and classic version)
• Journal Finder
• some subject area search tools (eg. Social Science Literature Search Tool)
• WINDOW
• persistent links to books and ebooks found in the library catalog, from collections like Safari/O'Reilly, Springer, EBSCO and other eBook content providers.  If you link to eBooks from your course pages or other resources, please reach out so we can help you update those links once the new system is live.

Alma/Primo will replace the current catalog that searches all the physical holdings (books and other printed materials) and electronic resources (e-books, e-journals, and databases) accessible to our library. 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.

When will this happen?

The new system is now live!  See the Important dates tab at left for other important dates in the project which may affect your ability to search and request items.

Will I have to return all my books before the new system goes live?

No.  You will be able to keep any items that you have checked out, and you are welcome to return any items that you no longer need at any time.  Only new requests and renewals are pausing during the go-live period, as noted on the Important dates list.  We will announce when OhioLINK requesting restarts on the new system. 

Borrowing and renewals from SearchOhio libraries will take longer to restart because that system is more complex.

What will the new system look like?

Try it out for yourself and see what you think!  Use the links above.

Will there be demonstrations of the new system, or training for how to use it?

Yes!  The library will offer options for training after the system goes live in June.

What have Musselman Library staff been doing to prepare?

Members of the Musselman Library staff have been attending weekly meetings for many aspects of this project.  Library staff from all OhioLINK libraries are participating - this project affects libraries all across the state of Ohio!