LSP FAQ
What is Alma/Primo?
As a member of the OhioLINK library consortium, the University of Cincinnati Libraries is upgrading our library system software to Ex Libris Alma and Primo, going live in summer 2025. Alma is state-of-the-art library systems software (LSP), and the most-used library system in U.S. academic libraries. More than 65% of Association of Research Libraries use Alma.
This cloud-based, enterprise system software is the backbone of day-to-day library operations (acquisitions, cataloging, circulation/fullfillment, 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 user intuitive and similar to today’s consumer products.
In late 2025 and early 2026, we will roll out other applications as part of the same system package, including one that links the library to Canvas to manage course reading lists. If you have any questions, please contact your subject librarian.
When will the system migration occur?
The scheduled go live is on track for June 2025.
Will we still have access to the same books and electronic resources as before?
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.
Is the actual collection changing?
No, the collection itself is not changing. We will still have the same resources we currently have.
What if I want to request new library materials?
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. More information about the resumption of purchasing/licensing will be shared as information becomes available. Please contact your subject librarian as soon as possible.
How will this affect the links in my syllabi, classroom and course reserves?
If you include links to UC Libraries collections in your course syllabi, reading lists and Canvas pages will require updated links to resources in the new Primo search tool. We will develop materials to assist faculty teaching in the fall with any required adjustment to course links. Feel free to contact your subject librarian.
Instructors who are planning to use new material for Course Reserves in a Summer 2025 course should contact your subject librarian before March 1, 2025 to determine if purchasing or licensing is needed. If instructors know they will need new materials for fall semester 2025, contact us as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Will this affect book delivery?
Yes. Requests for OhioLINK or SearchOhio resource sharing must occur before May 23, 2025, as inter-OhioLINK borrowing will not be available again until the end of June 2025. While that service is unavailable, please work with your librarians to find alternatives that will fulfill your needs for teaching and research.
When can I see the new system?
The library will be creating help pages and other self-paced training. A link will be provided the Libraries LSP project web page.