The Library is moving! Well, the building will still be the same one you know and love, but the bulk of library operations will be moving to a new integrated library software system in summer 2017.
What’s this new system, you ask? We’ll be migrating to WorldShare Management Services (or WMS for short), which comes to us from OCLC. OCLC is a nonprofit, member-driven library cooperative that provides shared technology services, original research, and community programs for the library community at large. WMS is a cloud based, sophisticated software suite that represents the new generation of integrated library systems.
Great, you say, but what does it do? WMS does pretty much everything that libraries need to do in order to function efficiently and effectively. We will use WMS software to manage our acquisitions, patron data and bibliographic information; catalog new materials, as well as share those materials with other libraries; and manage and analyze our collections. We’ll also be joining peer libraries in MN and across the country who have recently migrated to WMS.
Sure, that sounds great for the Library, you might be thinking, but what does that mean for you as a researcher? WMS streamlines our various library resources into a single discovery layer (this will replace our current catalog). It means you can go to one search box and seamlessly connect with library collections, both in print and in our databases. You might notice a few interface changes and some different procedures for a few functions, but WMS will make research faster and more efficient. It means the library can do even more to support the scholarly work done by students and faculty.
Library faculty and staff have been intentionally studying trends in library systems for over two years. We took a long, careful look at many options before arriving at our decision to migrate to WMS. We are very excited about the migration and are confident the transition will provide a stronger research experience for library users, as well as helping library employees establish more effective workflows.
We will keep the campus community informed about the migration as it progresses. As always, you should expect no major disruption in service during the migration. You should also expect a robust, fully functional library experience once WMS goes live next summer.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact Julie Gilbert, Library Chair, or any member of the library. You can reach Julie at x7552 or via email