UNC System Libraries Adopt New Management and Discovery Systems
Eleven UNC System libraries are enhancing their services by adopting Ex Libris Alma as their new Library Management System and Primo Discovery System as a central solution. This unified approach aims to streamline resource sharing and promote affordability initiatives across the system.
Implementation Timeline
This comprehensive implementation is projected to take approximately three to four years. The University Library Advisory Council (ULAC) is rolling out the new systems in phases:
- Wave 1 (Current): Appalachian State University, UNC Asheville, Western Carolina University, North Carolina Central University, and NC A&T are currently transitioning to Ex Libris. UNC Pembroke and UNC School of the Arts are already using Ex Libris, making their integration smoother.
- Subsequent Waves: Other UNC System schools will join in later phases of the implementation. (UNC Charlotte, Fayetteville State University, NC State University, UNC Wilmington, and Winston-Salem State University)
What This Means for UNC Pembroke Users
For students, staff, faculty, and other library users at UNC Pembroke, the core functionality of Primo will remain familiar, but with significant enhancements:
- Enhanced Resource Sharing: Once Ex Libris resumes at UNC Pembroke on July 16, 2025, you'll experience increased capabilities for resource sharing. This means you can easily request physical resources available from Appalachian State, UNC Asheville, Western Carolina, North Carolina Central, NC A&T, and UNC School of the Arts.
- Unified Discovery: The Ex Libris Primo implementation primarily focuses on creating a unified discovery layer. This will make it much easier to find and request physical books, journals, and other materials held by participating libraries throughout the UNC System.
Accessing Electronic Resources and Databases
While Primo will help you discover articles and other electronic resources, it's important to understand how access to electronic databases works:
- License Limitations: Access to electronic databases is controlled by individual university licenses, which are typically tied to the specific institution and its user community. Primo will not grant you direct access to content from databases that UNC Pembroke does not subscribe to.
- Facilitated Interlibrary Loan: Depending on license agreements, this new system may make it easier for you to interlibrary loan digital materials from other institutions within the UNC System.
We are excited about these upcoming changes and the improved resource sharing opportunities they will bring to the UNC Pembroke community!
