Coming this summer, all 23 of the California State University campus libraries will be integrated in a new Unified Library Management System (ULMS), branded OneSearch.
This upgrade will expand the availability of print and digital resources, streamline the inter-library loan process, and help CSU libraries better meet the needs of students, faculty, and staff.
“Many of the libraries are currently using systems that are over 20-years old and have outdated architecture,” said Dr. John Wenzler, chair of the California State University, Council of Library Deans. “By migrating these old systems into a new ULMS we can dramatically improve access for all students, faculty, and staff, in a more user-friendly interface.”
The upgrade will grant students, faculty, and staff improved access to approximately 1 billion digital holdings throughout CSU campus libraries, including articles, e-journals, and e-books. Under a single management system, the amount of time spent locating and securing resources will be reduced and staff workflows will be optimized.
The management system upgrade will also improve the process of sharing print books among university libraries. The interlibrary loan (book-sharing) function, branded CSU+, will simplify and expedite the book-borrowing process leaving more time to focus on research and scholarly pursuits.
For 11 of the CSU campuses, the new system replaces the LINK+ system which is technologically tied to many of the outdated library systems. Whereas LINK+ provided access to less than half of the CSU libraries, CSU+ will give students direct access to 29 million books at 23 libraries.
Gale Etschmaier, library dean at San Diego State University, said, “This is truly a revolutionary initiative that will transform academic libraries across the California State University, benefitting students enormously by providing them access to millions of both traditional and digital materials held collectively by the 23 CSU campuses.”
Etschmaier added, “Once fully implemented, faculty and students will be able to search for and request content at any CSU library —a powerful tool that will advance research, discovery, and academic achievement.”
As a joint effort led by the CSU Council of Library Deans, the primary goal of this upgrade is to enrich the research experience of students, as well as assist faculty and staff in their scholarly and professional pursuits.
Gerry Hanley, assistant vice chancellor, Academic Technology Services for the CSU said, 'The big, important issue is to ensure equity across all campuses. All students, faculty and staff need to have equally successful and powerful library services.”
CSU libraries can expect to see this upgrade in June of 2017.
For more information regarding the new ULMS upgrade, visit the CSU Libraries Network website.