NASIG 2016

Library services platforms are designed to enable the discovery and management of print and electronic resources in a single system. Increasingly consortia are implementing library services platforms collaboratively. These systems may benefit consortia in many ways, including cooperative lending, collaborative collection development, shared cataloging, and a seamless patron experience. As libraries will face substantial shifts in procedures during these implementations, effective communication is vital for the process to be successful. Resource acquisition, management, and discovery will change with a new system, and Electronic Resources Librarians are likely to serve in key roles facilitating these transitions.

This presentation features two librarians in the midst of a library services platform implementation at fourteen academic libraries in Montana. The presenters conducted a literature review of consortial library services platform implementations and distilled trends and recommendations for a successful implementation. Referencing and applying the Core Competencies for Electronic Resources Librarians, the discussion will focus on migrating technologies, including ERMS data and discovery platforms, as well as coordinating effective, relevant communication with vested parties. Presenters will draw on their own experiences by sharing organizational and communication strategies for those considering a migration to a library service platform.