A multi-year transformation brings more than 50 libraries onto one shared platform
The North Rhine-Westphalian Service Centre for Libraries (hbz) has successfully completed a five-year modernization initiative that unifies the scientific library network of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany in a single Alma platform. The project, which began in 2019, consolidated eight different legacy library systems and migrated more than 50 member libraries—ranging from small art academies to large university networks—into one coordinated Alma Network Zone.
As the final libraries went live, hbz captured the significance of the achievement in a reflection that speaks to the new sense of cohesion:
“Now that we’ve come to an end with the integration of all our libraries into our Alma network and finally said good-bye to our Aleph Union Catalogue – after more than 5 years – we finally feel like a family where everybody in our Library network speaks the same language: Alma!” – Silke
Schomburg and Christiane Plaum, hbz – Hochschulbibliothekszentrum des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen
NRW’s library landscape had long been fragmented, with eight different management systems and varied workflows that made collaboration difficult. Recognizing the need for a unified, cloud-based environment, hbz led a multi-phase program to bring its member libraries onto Alma, while also migrating its own Aleph Union Catalogue. Close coordination across dozens of institutions was essential, and the teams maintained momentum even as the Covid-19 pandemic required a rapid shift to virtual work.
With Alma now fully in place, the consortium benefits from a shared foundation that strengthens cooperation and reduces duplication while still supporting local practices where needed. The platform provides consistent data and aligned workflows that make it easier for libraries to work together and continue developing shared services.
Bringing more than 50 diverse institutions into one system is a significant milestone. For hbz and the scientific libraries of North Rhine-Westphalia, Alma has become the common language that enables a connected, collaborative network ready for future growth.
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