The Daily Bulletin Archive

SUNY libraries are migrating to a new catalog, called Alma, in June, and Butler Library will spend the next six months preparing for the shift from its current catalog, Aleph. Throughout the spring semester and into the summer, library staff members will work on preparing patron data, migrating library resources, and configuring Alma.

Alma, like Aleph, was developed by ExLibris. Unlike Aleph, Alma is an integrated library services platform that manages print collections, electronic resources, and resource sharing. Alma will allow SUNY libraries to better share resources and will provide a more comprehensive catalog of the resources offered by Buffalo State.

Most library users do not interact frequently with Aleph itself. Access and discovery of library resources has long been made available through Summon. Summon provides a connection between print and electronic titles owned by Butler Library and the article-level results that most users search for.

Alma does not use Summon; it has its own search interface called Primo. Primo and Summon share many common elements, and those who are comfortable with searching in Summon will be equally comfortable in Primo.

Those who are interested in closely following the implementation of Alma and Primo may visit the library’s Alma Migration web page. Related announcements and updates will be published in the Daily Bulletin and elsewhere in the coming months. Butler Library can provide direct training for departments who could benefit from it. Please submit requests for training through the library’s web form, indicating PRIMO TRAINING as the course name and number.

Please bear in mind that migrations of this sort are challenging. Every effort will be made to minimize impacts on resource availability; however, some disruptions may occur. We thank you for your patience as we work through the process, especially during the immediate post-migration period in the summer of 2019, when we will be doing intensive cleanup.

Please direct questions to Joseph Riggie, associate librarian.