New Library Catalog, Powered by Alma
Main Content
On June 24, 2020, Morris Library will migrate to a library services platform called Alma. The migration is coordinated by the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois (CARLI) and Ex Libris. Alma will replace Voyager and SFX for the 91 institutions that are part of CARLI’s I-Share resource sharing system.
How will the catalog change?
The library catalog will have a new interface. Patrons will be able to search Morris Library’s physical holdings, online resources, course reserves as well as all I-Share library holdings.
The catalog will have a different look and new features, as seen in this screenshot of the initial search results page:
How can I access the new library catalog?
On Morris Library’s homepage the Books & More bar will be updated on June 24, 2020, to link to the new catalog.
Will I be able request items from other I-Share libraries?
Yes. When you log into with your SIUC Network ID and password, you will be able to borrow items from any I-Share library and pick up your items at Morris Library. Please note that due to COVID-19, the ILDS service is currently suspended. Visit Morris Library’s Coronavirus FAQ for updates.
Will my patron record change?
All patron information will migrate to the new system, including loans, requests, fines and fees. Patron contact information will be updated daily by pulling student data from Banner and staff data from AIS. You will be able access your patron record by logging in with your SIUC Network ID and password.
I have items saved to my account Favorites or Saved Items in the current catalog. Will I be able to access those in the new catalog?
Favorites and Saved Items will not migrate to the new catalog. You will be able to log into and reference their static accounts in the old catalog. For example, you can view items saved to account Favorites or Saved Items in the three library catalog interfaces.
Will I be able to find journals?
Yes, the new catalog will include a journal search that allows searching Morris Library’s online journals and physical journal holdings.
Will I be able to place items on course reserve?
Yes, the new system supports course reserves. Please see the library’s Reserves for Instructors page for more information on placing items on reserve.
Will links redirect to the new catalog?
Redirects will work sometime in July and record level mapping between the two catalogs will be created by CARLI office staff. Everyone is encouraged to use the new catalog after June 24 as only the new catalog will include up to date information about holdings, item availability, circulation status, etc., after migration.
Will I be able to access the old catalog?
The old catalog data will be frozen. You will not be able to request items or renew items. The old interface will have a banner at the top informing users that the catalog is frozen and read-only as of June 18, 2020 and that it will no longer be accessible after October 30, 2020.