The Ex Libris Implementation Team provides regular updates to inform the Rutgers University Libraries (RUL) community of its activities and accomplishments, which benefit RUL and our user community.
Primo
Primo (aka “QuickSearch”) marked its 5th anniversary this year and continues to be one of the most heavily used library services, ending FY22 with over 2.2 million searches, 1.7 million record views, and 1 million full-text downloads. This year’s enhancements included the addition of ebook license information, search and indexing improvements, integration of the library link resolver with EndNote, improved error reporting, and various bug fixes. Enhancements for the coming year include persistent login, improved deduping, linked data enrichment, and improved collection discovery.
Notable statistics for FY22 include:
- 2 million searches
- 7 million record views
- 1 million downloads
- 450 support requests
Esploro
Last year, the Libraries launched a new and improved version of SOAR (Scholarly Open Access at Rutgers) that’s powered by Esploro. Esploro improves and extends the Libraries’ ability to capture and manage institutional research output using automated data harvesting and machine learning techniques. SOAR staff imported over 22,000 new research assets via smart harvesting and accepted over 500 faculty deposits. Planned enhancements for the coming year include a redesigned research portal, enhanced ORCID integration, and implementation of public researcher profiles.
Notable statistics for FY22:
- 22,000 assets ingested
- 56,000 record views
- 62,000 downloads
- 100 support requests
Alma
A pilot project to expedite the cataloging of donated books was conducted using two donations, the International Youth Literature Collection (IYLC) and the Tanner Collection. Two hundred ten IYLC donated titles were added to Alma, and 61 donated items were added for the Tanner gift. The pilot will be refined based on feedback from key stakeholders and is a work in progress. The goal is to expand the workflow to include other donations from across RUL.
The ArchivesSpace Users Working Group was reinstated in July. They are working to establish local practices and standards for finding aids across all RUL archives and are using the ArchivesSpace plug-in tools for subject and name authority access. This initiative is led by Melissa De Fino, and group members include representatives from IIS, SC/UA, IJS, Smith Library, Robeson Library, and SMLR.
A sustainable method to track withdrawn serial titles for the BTAA Shared Print Repository was developed by CTS, HMU, and IIS using Alma’s statistical notes feature. This information will be available in Alma Analytics in perpetuity.
CTS and IIS personnel are working with SC/UA to improve the configuration of SC/UA locations and related changes in support of the SC/UA Migration Project for resources located in remote storage due to damage from Hurricane Ida.
A new and innovative process is being developed for scores cataloging to meet a need in an area where expertise is currently lacking in CTS due to the departure of the music cataloger. The process is being developed in collaboration with Backstage Library Works.
A total of 474 support requests were handled in response to queries and requests sent to the Cataloging Queue.
Library Mobile
The Library Mobile team is excitedly preparing for the Fall 2022 launch of our new student app. We encourage everyone to check out the tour on RUL’s YouTube channel and to download instructions so that you can start using the app.
Rapido
We’ve been working with Ex Libris on the implementation of Rapido, a resource-sharing platform that’s integrated with Alma and QuickSearch. Rapido will provide our patrons with a streamlined requesting experience, allowing them to search for and request all materials from within QuickSearch. Patrons will no longer need to log into and search multiple platforms. If the material isn’t available from RUL, background configurations will allow Rapido to source the requested materials using our existing sources via OCLC and ReShare as well as our new Rapido partners.
