CLSP Update - January Issue

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 easing into the new year with continued Alma training until January 18th, when each college will receive access to their own Alma test environments with their own data.

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 closed off the year with a virtual Holiday Party hosted by the Training, Communication & PR Subcommittee with a specially designed CLSP Kahoot! trivia game.

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. See the Project Plan document for more detailed dates. Other work includes developing shared standards, data cleanup and sourcing an external marketing company to develop a unified brand.

NOTE: Project dates may be subject to change.

New Milestones Completed

Completed Configuration Forms
End of Define Phase

Future Milestones

Receive access to Alma test environment
Receive access to Primo test environment
Complete Alma Essentials Training

🔡 CLSP Implementation Basics

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

Project Overview

Project Status: On track
Moving into Build Phase
Alma test environment access Jan. 18
Primo test environment access Feb. 1
Go Live Date: July 26, 2022

See Project Overview for more information.

Important Acronyms/Ex Libris Terms

P2E: Electronic items that are recorded in their current ILS as Print due to system limitations that need to be converted to Electronic during migration to Alma
Fulfillment: refers to Circulation in Alma

🛠 Useful Resources

In this issue, we wanted to introduce an important tool in our decision-making process during the implementation, briefing notes. When a significant issue arises, or when a formal decision is required, briefing notes are 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

Network Zone (NZ): A virtual institution used as the management interface and central repository and catalog (OCLS zone).

Network Zone - services OCLS expect to provide to support the network zone into category of funded services.

Under terms o f funded services , firmsly responsibilitions with the nNetwork Zone to maint and support Netwrok Zonemanaging metadata as was done for College Union Catalog and implement standards.

OCLS is working closely with Project Management Office and the CLSP subcommittees to gather insight that will help us develop frameworks and draft descriptions for the services that OCLS may provide in the future. OCLS staff are represented on the following sub-committees: Metadata/Cataloguing – Stacey Boileau (co-chair); E-Resources/Acquisitions – Nicole Morgan; Systems, Analytics and Data – Jennifer Mo; Discovery/Customer Service – Holly Sarvari; Communications/PR – Rebecca LaFrance; Implementation Steering Committee – Jana Purmalis, Virginia Roy.