In summer 2020, DePaul University Library, along with more than 91 I-Share libraries in Illinois, will update its public-facing and internal library systems. These new systems will provide a better user experience, enabling a more seamless discovery of the library's various print materials, electronic journal articles, e-books and more in a single, easy-to- use search interface. They will also integrate more of the library’s behind-the-scenes functionality into a single cloud-based system, improving efficiency and workflows. This migration will include more than 38 million records from libraries across Illinois, a process that has been in planning for several years. It is a major accomplishment and shift in a positive direction for all I-Share libraries.
What this means for you
DePaul library’s homepage will be getting a new look. A new interface will replace the current
DePaul WorldCat Discovery search box, as well the Library’s VuFind Catalog for
DePaul and
I-Share. The new system will enhance your ability to identify and locate materials across different resources right from the library's homepage. This update also will improve the
process of finding specific journal titles and linking to full-text content from your search results. At the same time, systems currently used by library staff for operational functions, including acquisitions, cataloging, fulfillment, e-resource management and link resolution will be updated and improved.
Timeline and communication
The library currently is conducting quality control in a test environment version of these systems, known as Alma and Primo VE. The migration will continue in winter and spring with the goal of going live summer 2020. We will do our best to avoid service disruptions and address any unanticipated issues that may arise during this period. We will communicate updates, including key dates and possible service disruptions through the Library’s Full Text blog as well as our website, so stay tuned!