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Through this collaboration, the libraries will be able to extend their resources and services beyond their individual collections, maximizing the value of their holdings while minimizing operational complexities with more efficient and standardized workflows across all institutions.
Phase One: Resource Sharing Model Decision
The project began in the spring of 2024 with research and consultations regarding the best resource sharing model for the colleges. The Resource Sharing Working Group (RSWG) considered a Peer-to-peer (P2P) model and a Fulfillment Network model. After careful consideration, the RSWG put forward a recommendation to the colleges for the P2P model.
Phase Two: Implementation - Physical Resource Sharing
The RSWG worked closely with colleges during implementation from May through September. A detailed set of instructions was made available to all colleges as well as demonstration and training opportunities. Sample staff workflows and staff training material was also made available for colleges to adapt to their own local environments prior to go-live. There was a quite launch among a handful of libraries that were ready to use Alma and Primo for resource sharing in July. More colleges implemented in a second launch with more fanfare and promotion later in August and September.
Phase Three: Implementation - Digital Resource Sharing
The next phase of the project will focus focuses on the implementation of digital resource sharing between colleges using Alma and Primo VE. This phase began in the late Fall of 2024 and will continue into mid 2025. A small group of volunteers is currently creating documentation for Digitization, which is the first step towards Electronic Resource Sharing, and meeting with a selection of CLO Copyright Interest Group members to map out best practices for these processes. The rest of the colleges will be engaged in this process again once the group has a clearer picture of the functionality in Alma and Primo.
Next Steps
Conversations have also been started with OMNI universities as we get the ball rolling toward a partnership with all publicly funded higher education institutions using Alma and Primo in Ontario. Very exciting!
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More details of the project can be found on the Resource Sharing Implementation Project Space in Confluence. https://clo-collaboration-spaces.atlassian.net/wiki/x/54DuU
Resource Sharing Statistics
Physical Resource Sharing Using Alma and Primo Between 09/01/2024 and 12/18/2024
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