This spring, Frostburg State University’s Lewis J. Ort Library, along with the 17 libraries across the University System of Maryland and Affiliated Institutions (USMAI) consortium, will migrate to a new integrated library system (ILS) called Alma, which will to go live on May 23, 2024. Throughout the spring, the USMAI migration task force and our local campus team has been working to replace the current system, called Aleph, which has been in place for over 20 years.
An integrated library system manages the basic functions of a library, such as checking library materials in and out, keeping track of orders and subscriptions, and providing the infrastructure that allows library users to search and access library materials. This system migration is a critical step forward and will help to modernize Ort Library’s current functionality and usability, increasing cooperation with other systems across the FSU campus and with other academic institutions throughout the state.
We will be providing updates as the project continues throughout the spring, especially with information on any temporary service changes or suspensions as the new system is prepared. If you have any questions, please reach out via email to ortlibrary@frostburg.edu.
The screenshot below shows our new search interface coming on May 23:
Part of the new integrated library system is the discovery service SearchCat, which will replace both OneSearch and CatalogUSMAI to streamline search functions and improve access to local resources and scholarly research. You will notice more features that will allow you to manage your loans, requests, and citations more easily.
SearchCat will have the functionalities as OneSearch. Plus, with your FSU login, you will also be able to sign in to SearchCat in order to:
SearchCat will launch at the same time as the new integrated library system on May 23!