What’s happening?
In the coming weeks the Library will migrate all of its behind-the-scenes work and data to a new integrated library system (ILS). The new system, Worldshare Management Systems (WMS), is provided by OCLC, a worldwide, member-driven library cooperative, which also provides services such as WorldCat.
Will there be an interruption in Library services?
The approximate dates for the change are June 28-mid July. Please be aware of the following during the transition period:
- Your bookmarked library search pages may need to be updated.
- Submitting new ILL (borrowing) requests can be done via the new discovery interface; you will be unable to log in to your patron account to track their status.
- Your connection to databases may be affected as we transition to the Gustavus single sign-on for remote access.
- Availability status of Gustavus items in the catalog may not be current.
Feel free to contact the Information Desk of the Library at 507-933-7557 to discuss questions or availability of certain items. The Library will remain open and we will provide as many regular services as possible.
What should we expect from the new system?
WMS offers a robust research interface and a more streamlined Interlibrary Loan process. Although we are leaving the PALS consortium, we are not leaving Minitex, which already coordinates the bulk of our ILL requests, including lending and borrowing with MnPALS libraries.
What’s the best way to keep up to date on this project?
We will keep the community updated about any issues that may arise, as well as announcements about when the new catalog goes live. Look for announcements on campus e-mail lists and follow the Library’s social media sites for more info.
Any questions, please contact the Information Desk at the Library at 507-933-7557.
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