Former Member Libraries of UNILINC Library Network Use Alma and Primo to Automate Library Services
ADELAIDE, Australia, December 4, 2017 – Ex Libris®, a ProQuest company, is pleased to announce that 17 of the 20 libraries that were previously members of the UNILINC library network have chosen to work directly with Ex Libris as they continue to use the Ex Libris Alma® library services platform and Primo® discovery and delivery solution.
The UNILINC cooperative ceased its operations on October 31, 2017. Most of the libraries that were members will continue working with both Alma and Primo to streamline library workflows, expand the discovery of library resources, and optimize library services with the assistance of advanced analytics. The active community of Ex Libris users throughout Australia and New Zealand and the opportunity to easily share ideas and best practices were important factors in the libraries’ decision to continue with the Ex Libris solutions.
Alma and Primo enable these libraries to be more self-sufficient, to automate more workflows, and to focus on more critical tasks. Using analytics based on Oracle Business Intelligence, the libraries are able to generate reports and customize dashboards for the range of library activities. Ex Libris will work hand in hand with the libraries to facilitate their use of the Ex Libris solutions.
Tony Cargnelutti, previously the Chief Operating Officer of UNILINC, noted, “These agreements with Ex Libris are the best way of preserving the UNILINC legacy. Besides the benefits that Alma and Primo will bring the cooperative’s former members in terms of automation and effectiveness, the libraries will also enjoy the global support of Ex Libris user groups around the world.”
Vicki Marsh, librarian at the National Gallery of Australia, added, “For many years, the National Gallery of Australia Research Library & Archives has had a productive relationship with UNILINC, and through it, with Ex Libris. In these times of reduced staffing and budgets, it is critical that we retain our existing library collection management systems, Alma and Primo, but still maintain the level of support that we had relied on from UNILINC, which Ex Libris is able to provide.”
Ziv Benzvi, vice president of Ex Libris Asia Pacific, remarked, “We are delighted that we are able to uphold UNILINC’s mission and provide the former members with superior functionality and a platform that supports collaboration and the exchange of ideas. The Australian Ex Libris community will benefit from the continued participation of these libraries.”
About UNILINC
Founded in 1978 and active until November 2017, UNILINC was a not-for-profit cooperative formed to develop and operate a library network for the benefit of its members. The network, which consisted of university, college, school, and special libraries, facilitated resource-sharing activities based on the UNILINC Shared System lending.
About Ex Libris
Ex Libris, a ProQuest company, is a leading global provider of cloud-based solutions for higher education. Offering SaaS solutions for the management and discovery of the full spectrum of library and scholarly materials, as well as mobile campus solutions driving student engagement and success, Ex Libris serves thousands of customers in 90 countries. For more information about Ex Libris, see our website, and join us on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
About ProQuest (http://www.proquest.com)
ProQuest is committed to supporting the important work happening in the world’s research and learning communities. The company curates content that matters to the advancement of knowledge, assembling an archive of billions of vetted, indexed documents. It simplifies workflows so that people and institutions use time effectively. And because ProQuest connects information communities, complex networks of systems and processes work together efficiently. With ProQuest, finding answers and deriving insights is straightforward and leads to extraordinary outcomes.
ProQuest and its companies and affiliates – Ex Libris, Alexander Street, Bowker – stand for better research, better learning, better insights. ProQuest enables people to change their world.