Patrons of campus libraries will soon be able to conduct a single search across a broad array of resources ranging from materials held on the library shelves through all subscribed databases and extending to open access scholarship on the internet.

The Leddy and law libraries will replace the current online system with the launch of a new resource management system, Alma, along with the Primo search interface on May 5.

Implementation of the innovative cloud-based library management system will position the University of Windsor as an early adopter of powerful technological advances previously unavailable, says Gwendolyn Ebbett, dean of the library.

“We’re again breaking new ground by implementing a system that will be a one-stop-search for our users to access not only materials we purchase, but also the scholarly materials that are available open access and through other avenues,” Ebbett says. “We’re providing them a Google-type search for scholarly materials, and we’re really excited to be able to do that.”

The Alma/Primo system is provided by Ex Libris, a firm specializing in automation solutions for academic libraries. It is designed to integrate smoothly with both external campus systems and a simplified search interface.

Data librarian Kristi Thompson will lead a presentation entitled “Meet Alma and Primo: Introducing the Next Generation of Library Search” during Campus Technology Day, April 29. The event is free to UWindsor faculty, staff and students. Find a full program and online registration on the conference website.