Exploring the synergetic relationship between Ex Libris and its community of users
In the ever-evolving landscape of academic libraries, collaboration and community are key to driving innovation and enhancing services. Ex Libris, part of Clarivate, has long embraced the power of community-driven development. Its user community plays a crucial role in shaping the products and services that libraries rely on every day.
Libraries as partners in development
Ex Libris was founded on a commitment to creating library solutions that meet the real-world needs of academic institutions. This commitment is reflected in its collaborative approach to product development. Libraries using Ex Libris products become partners. Through various channels such as user studies, early adopter and access programs, the Ex Libris Idea Exchange, the Ex Libris Developers Network, and community enhancement voting, librarian users provide feedback and insights that inform the Ex Libris product development roadmap.
This extraordinary level of community engagement results in a dynamic and responsive development process that continuously evolves to meet the needs of libraries.
The power of peer-to-peer sharing
One of the most remarkable aspects of the community of Ex Libris users is the culture of peer-to-peer sharing. Libraries across the globe connect through forums, committees and working groups to exchange best practices, share customizations and code, and support each other in overcoming challenges. This collaborative environment not only enhances the functionality of Ex Libris products but also strengthens the bonds between institutions. The community embraces working together as a means for achieving greater impact and driving innovation in their services.
Members of independent Ex Libris user organizations such IGeLU and ELUNA enjoy educational and networking benefits through in-person events, annual conferences and regional meetings, and online interactions through listservs. These types of communal activities supplement the formalized user group bodies and product-improvement initiatives. Though improving Ex Libris products and services takes center stage, they also bring users closer together to create stronger connections, facilitate and increase ideation, advance librarianship, and cultivate stronger relationships with Ex Libris staff.
Christian Kieslinger, Head of the Library, University of Applied Sciences at St. Pölten, Austria reflects on the collaborative spirit. “What I really enjoy is the worldwide community. It makes you aware that even as a small library you are not alone.“
Learn more about the vibrant Ex Libris community of users
Librarians looking to enhance their library’s impact can learn more about the Ex Libris community through a whitepaper entitled “Helping libraries improve through community-driven development.” The paper delivers a practical look into how libraries using Ex Libris resources contribute to product development and foster a vibrant community through peer-to-peer sharing and collaboration.
Download your free version here.
