Implementing Alma as New Integrated Library Management System at 14 Institutions of the Austrian Library Network – Feedback from the Functional Experts' Perspective

Abstract

Between January 2016 and March 2018 the integrated library system Alma was implemented at 14 institutions in the Austrian Library Network (ALN) following a three-phase plan (Conceptual Design, Getting Ready, Implementation). An important role in the process was played by the so-called functional experts, who were in charge of the various ILS functionalities and also serving as liaison to the individual institutions. Eight groups were established in total and comprised experts from the participating libraries in the following areas: data, e-resources, fulfillment, acquisitions, resource management, public services and journals. These were supported by a group in charge of creating a plan for user training and of coordinating the other groups. Most of the work – apart from several meetings held at the Austrian Library Network and Service Ltd (OBVSG) – was conducted via weekly or bimonthly webcalls. For this report representatives of the functional experts groups as well as the user training group were invited to present their perspective on implementing Alma in the Austrian Library Network in response to four questions. The replies give a varied picture on the implementation project from the view of those employees that played a vital role in its success.