June 27, 2023
Ex Libris, part of Clarivate, is thrilled to announce that the Bavarian State Library (BSB) in Munich, one of the leading academic libraries in Europe and an internationally renowned memory institution, has successfully made the transition to unified resource management through the Alma library services platform and Primo for resource discovery. This significant upgrade marks a new chapter in the library’s commitment to providing exceptional services and resources to its patrons.
Dr. Mathias Kratzer, Head of the department of Information Technology at BSB said: “The Bavarian State Library switched to the latest generation of library management systems with Alma and Primo from Ex Libris in May 2023. This is the first time in the library’s history that a core IT application has been outsourced from the local data center to a cloud-based working environment. Interaction with the new system is now completely web-based for both library users and staff, and the library’s main working tool will always be at the cutting edge of innovation in a software platform used worldwide.”
An Ex Libris customer since 2008, the library has long enjoyed the benefits of the digital preservation and asset management solution, Rosetta.
The transformation to Alma at the library involves the replacement of several systems which have served them well but have been surpassed by more modern technology. With the implementation of Alma and Primo, the library now has connectivity to the Ex Libris Central Discovery Index (CDI), empowering their users with seamless access to a vast array of resources, as well as ensuring that they can easily explore and utilize the library’s extensive collection.
This implementation was a significant project for everyone involved. With a collection of 15 million bibliographic records, the migration to Alma and Primo required meticulous planning, coordination, and technical expertise. The successful completion of this endeavor is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the two teams, the Bavarian State Library’s team, and the Ex Libris’ Professional Services team, who worked together to ensure a smooth transition without compromising the library’s services.
The Bavarian State Library is now also overseeing a project for 10 affiliated regional state libraries to be managed through one additional Alma Institution. The project will start in early September with a planned go-live in the summer of 2024.
The Alma library management system is a cloud-based library services platform used by more than 2,400 libraries around the world. Alma offers a unified approach to managing print, electronic, and digital materials in a single interface that includes multiple integrations with other tools for student success, research and learning, and library management.
The Primo library discovery service helps libraries maximize the exposure of their library collections and provides students and researchers with fast access to scholarly materials and intuitive ways to explore new content. Primo is a modern discovery solution that helps all users better explore the library from anywhere.
To learn more about how these solutions can enhance efficiency and maximize the visibility of your library collection, while creating stronger connections across your campus, visit the Exlibris integrated library system or contact us today.
