New Integrated Library System (ILS)
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Launch of Next-Generation Library System

On 18 July 2017, the Library launched Alma, the new Shared Integrated Library System together with the other seven UGC-funded universities. Now, users will enjoy a personalized one-stop platform that searches across all eight UGC Libraries, and a new user-friendly interface for My Library Account. Alongside the launch of the new system, the Library has enhanced its borrowing service by introducing a no fine policy for non-recalled General books, unlimited renewals, and an increased Hold Quota.

Why Move to a New Library System

In July, a new integrated library system (ILS) will replace the HKBU Library’s current system. The ILS is the platform in which the Library performs our technical functions such as circulation, acquisitions, and cataloging. It is also the platform through which the Library presents ourselves to our users with discovery services for electronic resources and the library catalogue. An especially exciting aspect of the implementation of Ex Libris Alma as our new ILS is that we are doing so in collaboration with the seven other JULAC libraries.

The planning and implementation of our new ILS has been a huge, multi-year project for the Library. Nearly half of all library staff are involved in the implementation, and we are working hard to make the transition to the new ILS as seamless as possible for our users.

The Library plans to achieve six goals with the implementation of the new ILS, all of which help contribute to our commitment to provide superior service to our users.

The implementation of new generation ILS will assure stability for discovery and library functions for many years to come.

The move to a cloud-based system means that upgrades and enhancements to the system can occur automatically, without delaying or disrupting the availability of the system to our users.

The library’s extensive offerings of electronic resources will now have a sophisticated platform for acquiring, managing, and presenting them.

Searching capabilities will be expanded to include the ability to simultaneously search the holdings of all eight JULAC libraries.

Closer collaboration among the JULAC libraries will enable us to increased resource sharing and embark on cooperative collection development.

Robust assessment and reporting structures will enable the Library to make strategic decisions that can respond to the research needs and practices of our users.

An implementation this big will cause a few disruptions in service in the weeks leading up to the go-live date of the new ILS in July. Watch this space for notices of important dates that will allow everyone to get the most out of their library, even during this transition.

Scheduled Maintenance of Library System on 20 August 2017

16 August, 2017

The Library's online system will undergo scheduled maintenance on the following date and time:
20 August 2017 (Sunday) 12:00 midnight - 5:00am

The Library has become aware that e-mail notices from the new library system are being delivered to the spam folder of HKBU e-mail accounts. These include notifications about held items ready to collect, overdue fines, etc.

As previously announced, the Library's new integrated system is now in operation. The brief video below highlights some of the major new features. All members of the HKBU community are invited to try out the Library's completely revamped and enhanced OneSearch service.

The Hong Kong Academic Library Link (HKALL) service is temporarily suspended until mid-July 2017. All HKALL loans are now due on 15 June 2017 (Thursday). Fines will be charged for HKALL items returned by borrowers after 15 June according to the Library Regulations.

Library users' reading history in the current Library System will not be migrated to the new Library System, which is scheduled to begin operation in mid-July. All Library users are strongly encouraged to export and save your "My Reading History" before 10 July 2017 (Monday).

According to the latest discussion among all eight UGC (University Grants Committee) libraries, it was agreed to revise the schedule of launching the new Shared Integrated Library System (ILS) from early July to mid-July.

The Hong Kong Academic Library Link (HKALL) service is temporarily suspended until early July 2017. All HKALL loans are now due on 15 June 2017 (Thursday). Fines will be charged for HKALL items returned by borrowers after 15 June according to the Library Regulations.

In July 2017 the existing Library System, which has been in operation for over 20 years, will be replaced with a next-generation cloud-based system called Alma. This integrated system will be shared by all eight UGC (University Grants Committee) Libraries.

To facilitate the implementation of the new Shared Integrated Library System for the eight UGC-funded universities, the Hong Kong Academic Library Link (HKALL) service will be temporarily suspended in two stages from early June to early July 2017.

Library users' reading history in the current Library System will not be migrated to the new Integrated Library System which will be in operation in early July. All Library users are strongly encouraged to export and save your "My Reading History" before 26 June 2017 to prevent data loss.

In July 2017 the existing Library System, which has been in operation for over 20 years, will be replaced with a next-generation cloud-based system called Alma. This integrated system will be shared by all eight UGC (University Grants Committee) Libraries.