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Library System Migration: Faculty/Staff

Information about the January 2019 migration from the ALEPH Library System to the ALMA Library System.

What Do You Need to Do?

Nothing, really. Just know that

  • the look and feel of the OneSearch tool will be different beginning January 29 January 31,
  • acquisitions and interlibrary loan services will be a little slower this Spring, but we are committed to providing you with the resources you need for your courses and research,
  • if you have concerns with your library account you can contact us, and
  • we are here to help if you have questions! 

When Is This Taking Place?

It’s already underway…our data has been migrated. We are giving it a final look over before we go live on the new system on  January 31, 2019.  There will be a slight gap in services from January 25-28. During that time we’ll have to see your Mustang ID to check materials out at the Circulation Desk and there won’t be access to Interlibrary Loan services.

What's Changing?

  1. The online system used to search for items in our library (and others) will have a new look and some new functionality.  The system will still be called OneSearch and will be accessible on the library’s homepage just as it is now.
    1. While the concept behind the system (searching many academic sources at once) is the same as the current system, there ARE differences, so please keep in mind that most students will not have instruction about how to use the new search tool.  There are only three LEP100 classes this spring that will get some initial instruction about the new OneSearch. If you believe your students would benefit from a library instruction session, please schedule one!
  2. Lots of processes are changing in the library’s workflow…so things like Interlibrary Loan and Acquisition requests may take a bit longer this Spring as we get used to the new processes. Please be patient as we adjust to the new system.
  3. This new system provides many ways that we will contact students, staff and faculty via email. We’ll have to work through some of that correspondence, so you might get some goofy emails as we figure them out, but know that they are meant to be helpful!  Example emails include: a receipt when you check out an item letting you know the due date, a courtesy notice reminding you a few days before items are due, notices to alert you of overdue items, messages to let you know an item you’ve requested is available for pick-up, etc.
  4. Students will have longer checkout periods for SMSU items. For example, in the current system students check out books for 28 days; this will become a 45-day checkout in the new system.  Checkout periods for faculty/staff remain at 4 months in the new system.

What's Staying the Same?

  • You’ll continue to use OneSearch (so one place to search for lots of academic information) as a starting point for research. The search box will be in the same place on the library website as it right now.
  • The databases (e.g., Academic Search Premier, Education Research Complete, Sociological Abstracts) remain the same. You can always use the A-Z Database List to go directly to a database to conduct a search.
  • We’re still here to help if you have questions about finding library resources!