Sabancı University Information Center, located in Istanbul, Türkiye, recently implemented the Alma library services platform and Primo VE discovery solution.
As a key service unit of Sabancı University, the Information Center (IC) plays a crucial role in supporting education and research by ensuring fast and efficient access to information. Prioritizing access over ownership, the IC integrates advanced technology and diverse resources to serve faculty, students, staff, and alumni. Committed to excellence, innovation, and lifelong learning, the IC contributes to national and international knowledge exchange while aligning with the university’s strategic goals.
The Benefits of Alma and Primo
Alma and Primo are viewed as transformative tools for the IC’s processes. The cloud-based integration streamlines workflows, including acquisitions, cataloging, and circulation, significantly improving the efficiency of daily tasks. Since users were already familiar with Primo, the transition to Primo VE was smooth. The sophisticated analytics provided by Alma and Primo are expected to help better understand user behavior and continuously enhance services, promoting better learning and research outcomes.
Implementation Process
The transition to Alma was marked by a highly efficient collaboration between the Information Center and the Ex Libris implementation team. Key aspects of the process included:
- Continuous Communication: Regular meetings and feedback sessions ensured transparent communication at every stage.
- Expert Support: The Ex Libris team provided comprehensive support during the setup, integration, and customization phases of the Alma platform, developing solutions tailored to the IC’s needs.
- Identifying Local Requirements: The IC team clearly defined local workflows, user expectations, and strategic goals, greatly contributing to the successful management of the transition.
This collaboration enabled the project to be completed on time and without major issues, laying the foundation for a robust and flexible digital library infrastructure at Sabancı University.
Relationship with Ex Libris
The relationship with Ex Libris is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. From the initial planning stages to the successful transition to Alma, the Ex Libris team consistently provided expert guidance, prompt support, and innovative solutions tailored to the IC’s needs. Their proactive and responsive approach facilitated a smooth implementation process and strengthened confidence in moving forward with innovative digital library initiatives. This positive and enduring partnership continues to be a cornerstone in enhancing services at the Information Center.
A Transformative Journey
The move to Alma and Primo VE has been a transformative journey for the Information Center. With Alma’s powerful backend and Primo VE’s intuitive discovery layer, operations have been streamlined, and the overall user experience has been enhanced. The collaboration with Ex Libris was pivotal in achieving a seamless transition. Oya Arus, the project team leader, together with project coordinators Mine Akkurt and Mesut Akdoğan, together with the rest of the project team, commented: “As we like to say, with Alma and Primo VE, we’re not just upgrading our systems—we’re revolutionizing how our community engages with knowledge.” This transition has set the stage for ongoing innovation and excellence in digital library services.
Learn more about how Alma library management system and Primo library discovery service, are the right choices for your library.
