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Happy New Year!

🥳 It’s a new year and soon all the libraries will be able to play in their new Alma test environments! The CLSP Implementation project continues to be on track.

In December, the libraries achieved a major milestone with the completion of their Configuration Forms. We’re happy to report that the data migration is going smoothly, a testament to all the hard work put in by the libraries, with the support of OCLS and Ex Libris. While Ex Libris focuses on the build and migrating data, the libraries are easing into the new year with continued Alma training until January 18th, when each library will receive access to their own Alma test environments.

All the preparation is coming together and we’re excited to see the results!

✅ Project Update

In December, the focus was on completing the Configuration Form that provides a base for how Alma and Primo are set up for each college library. The libraries considered how to implement rules and policies in this new environment. Weekly assigned training continued with topics such as user management and acquisitions. On December 17, we We closed off the year with a virtual Holiday Party hosted by the Training, Communication & PR Subcommittee with a specially designed holiday party that included a customized CLSP Kahoot! trivia game to celebrate our progress.

As we move into January, Ex Libris continues to build the test environments for both Alma and Primo. Once they are provided, testing will begin. will deliver test environments to each college on January 18th, providing the first look at their data in Alma. The colleges will test their environments to ensure that Alma meets all of their needs. See the Project Plan* document for more detailed dates. Other work includes developing shared bibliographic standards , data cleanup and sourcing an external marketing company to develop a unified brand.

We are planning the Alma Workshop with Ex Libris, which will be a virtual event over the week of Feb. 28 - Mar. 4 that includes sessions on technical services, fulfillment (circulation), and patron services. College liaisons will receive more details soon. Training will be developed for library staff not directly involved with the implementation using a train-the-trainer approach after the workshop.

*Project dates may be subject to change.

🔡 CLSP Implementation Basics

For those of you that aren’t familiar with all things CLSP, Alma & Primo, here are some basics!

🛠 Useful Resources

In this issue, we wanted to introduce you to /wiki/spaces/CIS/pages/162627633, an important tool in our implementation decision-making process during the implementation, briefing notes. When a significant issue arises, or when a formal decision is required, a briefing notes are note is created by the relevant subcommittee to assist the Implementation Steering Committee (ISC) in determining the best solution. Briefing notes provide a summary of the issue, relevant research and an informed recommendation for the ISC. Recommendations may be based on expertise, information from the Ex Libris Knowledge Centre, consultation with participating colleges, and additional sources. Briefing notes ensure well-informed and appropriate solutions are put in place, as well as documenting the decision-making process.

OCLS Service Update

Within the new world of the consortium, comes the introduction of the Network Zone (NZ), a virtual institution used as a central repository and catalog for all the institutions in the consortium. Managing/supporting the NZ will be a key service that OCLS expects to offer as part of their funded services. Responsibilities associated with the NZ will likely include managing metadata, as was done for the College Union Catalogue and recommending standards to ensure quality records and improve students' searching experiences.

🎉 Fun Stuff

Humber has named their CLSP Implementation team “Phoenix” and they recently celebrated 3 members

achieving their Alma Administrator certification

! Does your library CLSP team have a cool name or special achievement to share? Let us know!