The decision to migrate to a new Library Management System (LMS) stemmed from a need to modernize and enhance the library's ability to manage its resources and deliver services effectively. Our previous system no longer aligned with the evolving needs of our library, including the desire for greater workflow flexibility and interoperability with our other systems and digital resources.
Beginning in the Fall of 2023, we undertook a review of various LMS options, evaluating them against criteria such as usability, functionality, cost, scalability, and support for the library’s long-term goals. Following our assessment process, we selected FOLIO, supported by EBSCO.
The FOLIO implementation is planned throughout the 2024–2025 academic year. We anticipate going live with the new system in mid-May 2025, after the end of the Spring semester. The "What You Can Expect" page provides detailed information about the migration process, timelines, and what to expect during this transition.
A Library Management System (LMS), also known as an Integrated Library System (ILS), is the technology backbone that helps libraries acquire, organize, manage, and provide access to their collections. It streamlines essential library operations, making it easier for faculty, students, and staff to find and use library resources effectively.
For students, faculty, staff, and community members, LMS features like the catalog and discovery layer (Snowden Super Search) serve as powerful tools to search for books, articles, e-resources, and other materials. They support borrowing and returning items, accessing course reserves, and viewing account details like due dates and renewals.
Behind the scenes, the system handles tasks like acquiring new materials, cataloging items, managing subscriptions to digital content, maintaining accurate records of the library's holdings, collecting usage statistics, managing our users, etc.
After carefully considering different LMSs, we selected the Open Source LMS FOLIO, hosted and supported by the vendor EBSCO. We chose it for its flexibility as a modular system and its integration capabilities with our other systems with EBSCO's support. FOLIO was designed with academic libraries' needs in mind and was significantly more cost-effective compared to the proprietary systems we evaluated. FOLIO’s open-source model, being developed through the collaboration of libraries, developers, and vendors, also aligns with our values, fostering collaboration and innovation within the library community.